Enrique Cerezo admits Atletico Madrid are interested in Diego Costa

Atletico Madrid's president, Enrique Cerezo, has confirmed the club's interest in bringing Diego Costa back from Chelsea, albeit in an implicit manner. The club lost Jackson Martinez one day after the January transfer window in Europe closed but ended up making a profit on the player and have money to spend.

Cerezo admitted that Costa is one of the world's best players and Atletico Madrid are always in the market for the world's finest. He said, "We always want the best players and Diego Costa is one of them.

"I speak regularly with Diego Costa but I haven't discussed whether he would come here because he has a rather long contract [with Chelsea]."

Atletico Madrid appear to be in some trouble up front due to the continued drought that Luciano Vietto, Fernando Torres and the departed Jackson Martinez have found themselves in. It could very well prove to be the difference between another miraculous La Liga title and a trophy less season like last year. While Diego Simeone has adapted well against the better sides, such as Barcelona, with a lone striker - typically Griezmann - he has suffered in games where the opposition sit deep and frustrate Atletico's attack.

The lack of directness, creativity, and player with a nose for a goal are all things Diego Costa could rectify immediately. Atletico have never replaced the Spanish striker despite trying with similar players in Mario Mandzukic and Jackson Martinez. Likewise, in London, he has never replicated the form he showed during Atletico's stupendous 2013/14 season for a consistent period of time.

Los Rojiblancos' transfer ban was lifted temporarily just last week but if that ban is put back in place, which it very well could be, Atletico will be restricted to their current squad and the current players in their squad.

Atletico fans would welcome Costa back with open arms and Cerezo left those same fans with an inkling of hope when he said, "we will see what happens."