The season might have ended but there is absolutely no end to speculations over Diego Costa’s future at Stamford Bridge. The Chelsea forward, who played a pivotal role in Blues’ title-winning campaign, was consistently linked with a move away from the club in the latter part of the season. In January, Chinese Super League club Tianjin Quanjian had made a failed bid for the Spain international and had been confident of sealing a £76 million move for the striker.
However, the 28-year old has insisted that he is not eyeing a lucrative move to the far east and if there is one club that can lure him away from the Bridge then it is his former club Atletico Madrid.
Speaking to DIRECTVSports after the FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal on last Saturday (May 27), Costa admitted that he does not want to quit the Blues despite the heavy speculation. But at the same time, he admitted that he can change his mind if the club goes for a new striker ahead of the new season. And if he leaves Stamford Bridge, his preferred destination is Vicente Calderon.
“I will only leave Chelsea for Atletico. If not, I will stay here. I’m not interested in other clubs,” Costa said.
“I have a contract and no intention of leaving, but there are changes to be made that might reduce my chances, if the coach won’t count on me anywhere or is to give space for another striker, I know I’ll have to leave.
“Everyone knows what my preferred clubs is, there’s nothing to hide,” he added.
Costa left the Spanish giants for the English club in 2014 after scoring 36 goals in 52 games for Atletico in the 2013-14 season as they won their first La Liga title since 1996 and reached the Champions League final.
Costa’s comments, meanwhile, have come at an interesting time. The Independent has reported that Atletico have responded to Costa’s pleas and are ready to sign their ex-striker but at the same time, they are not ready to break the bank. The report claimed that the Spanish outfit would not pay over £20 million to re-sign the Spain international.
On the other hand, Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is reportedly ready to allow Costa to walk away as he targets moves for Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez.