Atletico Madrid to make £22m opening offer for Chelsea outcast Diego Costa

Atletico Madrid are reportedly preparing an opening offer to re-sign Spain international striker Diego Costa this summer, according to the Guardian.

The La Liga side, who finished third in the Spanish top-flight last term, have been heavily linked with the Chelsea striker following Blues boss Antonio Conte’s decision to inform the player he will not be part of his plans for the forthcoming campaign, via a text message.

The 28-year-old, who has 16 international caps for his country, scored 22 goals and provided eight assists in 42 appearances in all competitions for the 2016-17 Premier League champions last season.

Chelsea forward Costa.

Costa, who arrived at Stamford Bridge from Atletico back in July 2014 for a reported £32m, has netted 58 times in 120 games overall for the London club, winning two league titles and the League Cup.

However; with Chelsea keen to offload the Spaniard before the start of the 2017-18 term, former club Atletico are understood to be plotting an opening offer of around £22m, plus add-ons, to re-sign Costa, although the Premier League side are likely to demand a fee of around £40m for his services.