Chelsea's Diego Costa IS a transfer target for the summer confirms Atletico Madrid president

The Spaniards failed with a Jackson Martinez-plus-cash bid for their former striker last month but sound determined to try again at the end of the season

 John Sibley/Action Images via Reuters

"We will do everything possible": Atletico want to re-sign striker they sold for £32m 18 months ago

Atletico Madrid have confirmed they want Diego Costa back from Chelsea this summer.

And Spain international striker Costa is understood to be keen on a return to the club he left for the Londoners in a £32million deal in July 2014.

We revealed earlier this week that Atletico failed with a cheeky swap bid for their former star before the January transfer deadline, when they offered Chelsea flop forward Jackson Martinez plus cash.

Now though, Atletico president Enrique Cerezo has vowed to return for the Brazilian-born 27-year-old, who helped the La Liga side win the title and reach the European Cup final in his final season before moving to England.

Cerezo said: “We have a magnificent relationship with the players who leave this club. He (Costa) is a magnificent player but he is a Chelsea player.

"We will do everything possible and let’s see what Chelsea say, because it does not depend on us.

Srdjan Zivulovic/Reuters

Trading places: Filipe Luis has already moved back to Atletico from Chelsea

“We always try to bring in the best players and Diego is one of those.”

Costa scored 64 goals in 135 games for Atletico, shooting them to the La Liga title, the Copa Del Rey final triumph, a Champions League final and two UEFA Super Cups.

Asked in December last year whether he’d be up for a return, Costa said: “You never know. Life has many turns. Look where Filipe Luis is now. I always support them.”

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Chinese takeaway: Atletico can use the £32m they were just paid for Martinez to fund Costa move

Defender Luis returned to Atletico last summer, after being sold to Chelsea by the Spanish club 12 months previously.
Martinez has since been sold to Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande for £32m.

That deal has left the door open for Costa’s emotional return, as Atletico will be able to fund his return with the cash from the sale of Martinez.

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