Costa bound for Atletico as clubs agree transfer terms

Diego Costa’s protracted return to Atletico Madrid after three years at Chelsea is almost complete after terms were agreed over the striker’s transfer.

The 28-year-old Brazilborn Spain international joined the Blues from Atletico in July 2014, scoring 59 goals in 120 appearances.

Costa won two Premier League titles in his three seasons at Stamford Bridge, but admitted to pandering for a return to Atletico as early as his first season in England.

After months of acrimony, claim and counter claim, Costa has been granted his wish, Chelsea and Atletico having agreed a fee reported to be in the region of £58 million.

Chelsea play at Atletico next Wednesday in Champions League Group C and all parties will be relieved the matter has been resolved.

A Chelsea statement yesterday read: “Chelsea Football Club has today agreed terms with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of Diego Costa.

“The transfer will be subject to the agreement of personal terms and a medical.”

With Atletico under a transfer embargo and unable to register new players until January, Costa will have to wait to wear the red and white stripes once again.

Costa last season submitted three transfer requests, one prior to the start of the campaign which ended with his second Premier League winners’ medal, as his exit became fractious.

Costa’s last game for Chelsea was May’s FA Cup final loss to Arsenal, when he scored the last of his 59 goals.

Relations with the Blues and head coach Antonio Conte were damaged in January when Costa reportedly had his head turned by a big money offer from the Chinese Super League, which soon evaporated.