Chelsea striker Diego Costa open to joining Serie A giants

Chelsea striker Diego Costa is open to joining AC Milan this summer despite interest from former club Atletico Madrid, reports Sky Italia, via Football Italia.

Antonio Conte deems Costa surplus to requirements and the Chelsea manager told the controversial striker to find a new club at the start of the summer.

Costa had previously ruled out a move to China and only wanted to return to Atletico, but Milan have made huge strides in their attempts to prize the Spain international away from Stamford Bridge.

Diego Simeone wants to re-sign Costa but Atletico cannot register new players until January and are baulking at Chelsea’s stunning £50m valuation.

The Spanish giants remain favourites to sign the 28-year-old, but Milan are now firmly in the race as they turn their attentions to Costa after failing to sign Andrea Belotti or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Costa’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has worked closely with Milan’s directors this summer and is believed to have played a huge part in convincing his client to consider Vincenzo Montella’s side as an option for next season.

Milan have spent nearly £200m on new players this summer and look set for one big final signing before looking to mount a serious title challenge in Italy this season.

Costa has scored 52 league goals during his three years at Chelsea and reached the 50-goal mark in less matches than Luis Suarez (86) and only two games more than Arsenal legend Thierry Henry (83).