Atletico Madrid have confirmed they have reached a deal in principle for the return of Diego Costa from Chelsea.
Costa has been looking to return to Atletico since the end of last season after being told by Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte he was no longer wanted at the club.
Diego Simeone’s side have been locked in talks with the reigning Premier League champions for the last three months but have finally made a breakthrough in discussions.
Atletico have reportedly agreed a stunning €60m (£53m) deal with Chelsea and are now free to discuss personal terms with the 28-year-old, who is also set to undergo a medical.
Costa, who hasn’t featured competitively since the end of last season, will not be able to play for Atletico until January when their transfer embargo is lifted.
The Spain international left Atletico to join Chelsea in 2014 and has won the Premier League on two occasions in that time. Despite having not played for Atletico in the last three campaigns, only Antoine Griezmann (61) has scored more La Liga goals for Diego Simeone’s side since August 2012 than Costa (37).
