Atletico expected to bid for Diego Costa

Atletico Madrid are aiming to re-sign Diego Costa as well as are expected to make a deal for the Chelsea striker this week.

Atletico had concurred a deal to authorize Alexandre Lacazette from Lyon this summer season but that bargain broke down after their transfer restriction was confirmed last month by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

With Lacazette moving to Arsenal, Atletico are now concentrating on buying back Costa.

In spite of being Chelsea’s leading marker last season, Costa was told last month by supervisor Antonio Conte that he was not in his prepare for following season.

Costa intends to return to Atletico, although he would certainly not be able to play for them till January.

One alternative which Atletico have checked out is authorizing Costa as well as loaning him to a Chinese club until the end of the year. The Chinese midseason home window closes on July 14.

Tianijin Quanjian wanted to pay Chelsea ₤ 76m for Costa in January, however Atletico think they could sign him for less than half that figure now.

Atletico sold Costa to Chelsea 3 years ago for ₤ 32m.

Chelsea players return for pre-season training on Monday as well as fly out for a scenic tour of the Far East on July 18.