Diego Costa to Atletico Madrid: The Chelsea star’s return to La Liga edges closer as bookmakers suspend betting
The 28-year-old is poised to link up with Diego Simeone's side once again after departing Spain for the Premier League in 2014
DIEGO COSTA'S return to Atletico Madrid from Chelsea is edging closer after Paddy Power suspended betting on the imminent deal.
The 28-year-old is poised to link up with Diego Simeone's side once again after departing Spain for Stamford Bridge in 2014.
A spokesperson for Paddy Power said: "It looks like a case of the Costa deal’s go, as bets have flooded in for the Premier League’s ultimate b*****d to depart.
“Our customers have lumped on Atletico and AC Milan signing him, which suggests an arrangement has been reached to get around the Atletico transfer ban.”
The 2013/14 league champions are currently on a transfer ban, where they cannot register new players until January.
It looks likely that he will be signed by Simeone this summer, then shipped off immediately on loan to Serie A outfit AC Milan until the winter transfer window where he can remain match fit.
Blues boss Antonio Conte left him out of their pre-season squad in order to sort out a transfer back to La Liga.
Earlier this month, SunSport revealed how the Brazilian-born Spanish international said goodbye to his Chelsea team-mates as a transfer nears completion.
Only earlier this week did the controversial forward don an Atletico jersey while partying.
He apparently told his Instagram Live viewers - and team-mate Cesc Fabregas, to "give Conte a hug".
His relationship with the Italian manager has deteriorated after the 47-year-old told Costa he isn't welcome at the club via a text message.
It is reported he said: "Hi Diego, I hope you are well. Thanks for the seasono [sic] we spent together. Good luck for the next year but you are not in my plan."
To which Costa simply replied: "Ok."
He has turned down a move to China as he looks focused on playing at the highest level in a bid to make the Spanish squad for 2018 World Cup in Russia.
His three season stay in West London was hugely successful - banging in 20 Premier League goals in the 2015 and 2017 campaigns as the Blues romped to the title, as well as winning the League Cup in 2015.