Chelsea transfer news: Blues threaten to report Atletico Madrid to Fifa over their Diego Costa pursuit

Antonio Conte has also demanded 'respect' from the Chelsea forward's former club

Costa in action for Chelsea against SK Rapid (Getty)

Chelsea have threatened to report Atletico Madrid to Fifa if they continue with their pursuit of striker Diego Costa.

The Blues are not happy with the Spanish club’s conduct and, according to The Sun, have written a second letter of complaint to Atletico expressing their anger at a number of allegations emerging from Madrid which have suggested that Costa is “close” to re-joining Diego Simeone’s side.

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo reportedly fuelled the speculation but he has since denied making any statements which suggested the forward would be returning to the Spanish capital.

Conte fully intends to keep hold of Costa whose experience will help to counter the relative youth of newcomer Michy Batshuayi.

A Chelsea source told The Sun: “We’re writing to them again, a second time, but if this continues there are further options open to us, which includes reporting them to Fifa. We sincerely hope it does not go that far.”

Conte himself spoke on the matter, remarking that: “It is normal to ask for respect.

“I don’t know this situation but I know myself, my attitude and behaviour, that I don’t like to speak about the players of other clubs.

“I’d like that others don’t speak of the players of my team. I know this period is strange. We respect all — but we want respect.”

Contrary to speculation, Costa has told the club that he is happy to remain at Stamford Bridge for a third season after joining two years ago for £32m.

Conte said: “Diego has not put in a transfer request and is our player.

“He has shown that he is the strongest striker in the world. I’m sure that also when he gets into this idea of football he can score a lot of goals for us.”