Chelsea have confirmed they have reached agreement with Atlético Madrid over the sale of Diego Costa, with the Spain striker expected to complete his return to La Liga subject to the agreement of personal terms and a medical.
The 28-year-old has yet to feature for the Premier League champions this season after being told he was not part of Antonio Conte's plans. But despite Atlético being subjected to a transfer ban, a statement from Chelsea on Thursday said Costa is set to rejoin the Spanish club for a fee believed to be in the region of £57m three years after he moved to London for £32m, according to the Guardian.
"Chelsea Football Club has today agreed terms with Atlético Madrid for the transfer of Diego Costa. The transfer will be subject to the agreement of personal terms and a medical," said the statement.
A further statement from Atlético confirmed Costa has been given permission to travel to Spain for his medical and to discuss personal terms.
"Atlético de Madrid and Chelsea have reached an initial agreement for the transfer of Diego Costa," it said.
"The agreement is pending the formalisation of the contract between our club and the Spanish international forward. The English club has authorised Diego Costa to travel to Madrid in the coming days to undergo medical tests and settle his contract with our club."
Relations with Conte were damaged in January when Costa reportedly had his head turned by a big money offer from the Chinese Super League which soon evaporated. However Conte and Chelsea, together with the striker and his agent, Jorge Mendes, agreed Costa could leave that summer.
Costa however argues that it was Conte who forced him out after the Italian sent a text message saying the player was surplus to requirements, despite having two years remaining on his contract.
Costa was granted an additional summer break, missing the pre-season tour to Asia, but then extended his exile as relations with Chelsea deteriorated further and lawyers became involved.
The striker is due in the Spanish capital imminently as he has to undergo a medical back to his former employers.
After an extended holiday in Lagarto – in Brazil's North East – Costa was spotted at an airport in Aracaju, on his way back to Europe as per the Sun.
