ATLETICO MADRID are ready to re-sign Chelsea striker Diego Costa in the summer – but will not pay more than £20million.
The Spanish international told reporters after Saturday’s FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal that he would only leave Stamford Bridge for his former club.
And the Independent are now reporting that Costa’s refusal to move to China could derail the Blues’ summer transfer plans.
Chinese Super League club Tianjin Quanjin have been linked with a £76million bid for Costa.
That would give Antonio Conte the funds he needs to go out and get his top summer transfer targets.
But if Costa refuses to move to the Far East and only move back to La Liga then that could throw the Blues plans up in the air.
The Blues have been linked with moves for Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez which could take huge fees to bring to West London.
But if Costa only moved for £20m then the Blues may have to rethink their transfers.
Costa and the club are now set to have talks with the club to sort out his future after he claimed he would leave the club if they signed another big-name striker.
According to the Telegraph, the Blues are eager to get his situation sorted out as soon as possible.
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Costa said: “I don’t have any intention of going.
“The truth is I am very good here and I have a contract, but if the club want to sell me they know there is only one club I would go to. People talk too much about China and all that.
“I will stay if the club and manager want me. If they want to sell to bring in another forward, there’s no problem, I will go.
"The whole world knows that Atletico is the only club I would go to. If the club really want to sell me and an offer comes from another team, I stay, but if it’s Atletico I go.
“I haven’t spoken with Atleti. I am very relaxed… China? No. People talk too much about that.
“There is a World Cup this year, and I want to play in it, and if I go to China that won’t be possible.”
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