Atletico or bust for Diego Costa

Diego Costa could frustrate Chelsea further by refusing to leave the club unless it is for a return to former club Atletico Madrid. The La Liga club are unable to register new players until January, meaning that Costa may stay at Stamford Bridge for the first half of the season. 

Although Atletico Madrid could sign Costa and loan him out until January, the Daily Star reports that the Spanish striker would not be happy with that.

Since a text message between manager Antonio Conte and Costa was leaked, saying that the striker is not part of the first team plans next season, Chelsea have been looking to move Costa on, with hopes of securing a £50 million fee. 

Juventus and AC Milan have both enquired about the centre-forward, but a source close to the player says that he has no interest in a move to Italy, or anywhere at all apart from Atletico. 

This will leave the Chelsea bosses both frustrated, as they were hoping to use the money from Costa's sale towards new signings, but also slightly red-faced due to the fact that Antonio Conte practically pushed him out of the exit door, only to see him potentially remain at the club for half of next season.