DIEGO COSTA has rocked Chelsea by demanding a £40m return to Atletico Madrid
Blues sources had always insisted Costa was happy at Stamford Bridge and fight for his place under incoming boss Antonio Conte.
But Costa has now told the club he wants to go - and Atletico have already made their move for the Spain star.
It is understood a £40m initial bid for Costa is now on the table, a fee which could rise with add-ons, with both clubs set for talks over his future in the next few days.
Chelsea are closing in on Belgium striker Michy Batshuayi after agreeing a £33m fee with Marseille.
But they are also expected to target another striker if Costa leaves, with Conte understood to be ready to sign off on the move.
Costa, 27, has scored 36 goals in 78 appearances for Chelsea since arriving from Atletico in a £32m deal two years ago.
But he became disillusioned with life in England last season as the Blues endured a nightmare campaign.
Costa also believes he was unfairly treated by Premier League referees and the media last season and is not happy that his reputation has suffered.
Atletico have ambitious plans in the transfer market this summer and have also made enquiries about Napoli’s Gonzalo Higuain and Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
But Costa, who still has three years left on his contract, is their top target.
The Madrid club held talks with his agent in the Spanish capital this week.
Atletico boss Diego Simeone demanded the club sign a big-name striker before he would agree to stay on as coach, and Costa has always been his No.1 choice.
Chelsea expect to complete the signing of Batshuayi without any problems.
They are also looking for a midfielder and a defender, but will look to sign another striker as well if Costa leaves, with Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata still on their radar.
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