Chelsea transfer news: Blues set back as Diego Costa asks to leave Stamford Bridge for former club Atletico Madrid

The 27-year-old has made it clear to the club hierarchy that he wants to return to Spain

Could Costa's time at Chelsea be coming to an end? (Getty)

Chelsea forward Diego Costa has reportedly told club chiefs that he wants to move back to Atletico Madrid.

The Spain international endured a difficult season with the Blues last year as the former Premier League champions slumped from first to tenth.

Costa joined Chelsea back in 2014 in a deal reported to be worth £32m and had an immediate impact, scoring 21 goals from 39 appearances. The Spaniard struggled with his consistency in the following season but still found the back of the net 16 times.

According to AS, the 27-year-old has made it clear to the club hierarchy that he wants to return to Spain.

Although Costa is keen to see the move finalised as soon as possible, he won’t look to force the deal through.

Out of respect for Chelsea, it seems the striker is willing to leave matters in the hands of senior figures at the club.

The Daily Mail has also reported that Atletico don’t want to aggravate the situation and risk damaging their strong relationship with Chelsea. It seems they too are willing to step back and let the situation play out.

However, it’s unlikely Antonio Conte will be willing to let Costa leave in a hurry. More than just a goalscorer, his passion on the pitch is something that would surely resonate with the fiery Italian who will be looking to inject a degree of fight back into the Chelsea outfit.

Costa's experience up top would also prove invaluable as the club looks to nurture the youthful Michy Batshuayi – Chelsea’s first signing of the summer.

Given their shortage of strikers, to lose Costa at this stage of the summer would be a major blow to Conte.