Atletico Madrid President says Diego Costa deal is “close”

Atletico Madrid President Enrique Cerezo say a deal for Chelsea striker Diego Costa is close and that they are trying their best to bring the striker back to Madrid, according to reports.

The 27-year-old left the Vicente Calderon two years ago for the Premier League but has never fully settled at the club despite an excellent start to his time in London. He was said to have handed in a transfer request and was willing to make sure he got his move back to Madrid.

Cerezo, who has always remained enamoured by Costa, says “We like him a lot, I’ll admit.”

“We are talking to the player and working on him returning to Madrid.”

“It’s close,” he coninued, before saying he could not say anymore on the matter.

Chelsea remain adamant that Costa is not for sale and the arrival of Antonio Conte was believed to have strengthened the club’s resolve not to sell the player.

Cerezo went on to say that they are not interested in signing any player from Serie A, which rules out Mauro Icardi, Carlos Bacca and Gonzalo Higuain.

Atletico have failed to replace Costa and struggled last year for goals, which ultimately cost them in La Liga.