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Diego Costa could leave Chelsea: Striker 'tells Atletico Madrid squad' he wants to return after meeting chief executive in Ibiza

Costa hasn't shown any signs of unhappiness at Stamford Bridge but is claimed to have told Atletico's chief executive he wants to move back to the club

Jack de Menezes

Wednesday 26 August 2015 12:42 BST

Diego Costa is reported to want a move back to Atletico Madrid (Getty Images)

Diego Costa has not had the prolific start to the Premier League season that some may expected, though the Chelsea striker was on target in the 3-2 victory over West Brom on Sunday to open his account for the 2015/16 campaign.

An aggressive and physical striker at the best of times, Costa has already taken the fight to defenders across the Premier League. But could it be true that the Brazil-born Spain international is unhappy at Stamford Bridge?

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Costa met Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil in Ibiza during the summer by chance, where he informed his former boss that he would love to return to the Vicente Calderon.

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

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West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

West Brom: Myhill

The goalkeeper conceded three goals, but was let down by his defence. 6

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Dawson

A central defender by trade but playing at right back, he struggled to cope with Hazard’s pace but got involved with West Brom’s attacks when he could. 5

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

McAuley

Costa got the better of the Northern Ireland international time and time again, and after the centre-back had lost his battle with the striker, it allowed Costa to set up Azpilicueta for Chelsea’s third. 4

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Olsson

The Sweden international couldn’t deal with the pace of Pedro in the build-up to the winger’s opening goal. 4

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Brunt

The left winger, who has been used at left back under Pulis, came close to equalising with a late shot that went high but he was exploited by Pedro throughout the game. 4

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Yacob

It was his run forwards that allowed Willian to get in behind him and set up Costa for his goal. Was lacking in pace in opener as Willian got past him to make it 2-0. 5

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

McManaman

The winger’s pace caused Azpilicueta all sorts of problems and after skipping past the left-back, he was brought down by Matic for the penalty. He also provided the cross for Morrison’s second goal. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Morrison

West Brom’s longest-serving player made up for his missed penalty by scoring twice in what was a positive showing for the midfielder. 8

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Flecther

Worked hard in midfield to combat Fabregas’ influence but failed to fully protect his back line. 5

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

McClean

Was dangerous for West Brom and it was his good work that allowed him to get past Ivanovic and create Morrison’s second goal. 6

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Rondon

Looked sharp on his debut and it was his overhead kick that set up Morrison for his goal. Didn’t get on the scoresheet but was a threat up front for the home side. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Chelsea: Courtois

Remained calm in goal despite the end-to-end nature of the match, saving Morrison's early penalty before making several late saves to ensure the win. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Ivanovic

Did better on the right flank than against Manchester City last week, but Chelsea’s vice-captain was beaten too easily by McClean for West Brom’s first goal before McManaman got the better of him for the home side’s second. 4

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Zouma

Provided strength in central defence and made some good early tackles. 6

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Terry

After being the subject of headlines following his substitution against City, the Chelsea skipper let himself down when he saw red for failing to keep up with Rondon before pulling the striker back while he was through on goal. 4

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Azpilicueta

Helped restore Chelsea’s two-goal lead with his strike just before the break, but was beaten too easily by McManaman in the lead-up to West Brom’s penalty as he struggled with his defensive duties. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Fabregas

It was the Spaniard’s lofty pass that instigated the move that led to Azpilicueta’s goal, and the midfielder continued providing accurate passes to help build-up Chelsea’s attacks as the game went on. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Matic

Clumsily brought down McManaman to give away the penalty but was let off the hook when Courtois saved the resulting spot-kick. He didn’t look as strong in midfield as usual, and couldn’t contend with Morrison’s strength for West Brom’s second goal. 5

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Willian

Made a great run on the counter to set up Chelsea’s second goal and should have scored just before the break but drove high. Another good performance with a high work rate against West Brom. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Hazard

The Belgian looked back to his best against West Brom as he set up Pedro for the opener and used his pace to cause the home side’s defence problems. 7

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Pedro4

Chelsea’s man of the match. The winger seemed at ease on his Premier League debut scoring a goal and setting up Diego Costa’s strike. His pace on the right and his superb crosses will prove dangerous for Chelsea this season. 8

West Brom 2 Chelsea 3 player ratings

Costa.jpg

His goal was the icing on the cake for the striker, who enjoyed a very good performance up front. Costa looked dangerous throughout and really should have bagged a brace in the second half but drove high with time and space. 8

The report goes on to add that Costa has informed the entire Atletico Madrid squad that he wants a move back to Spain, triggering Gil to make contact with Costa’s agent, Jorge Mendes.

The so-called ‘super-agent’, who is also responsible for Radamel Falcao, David De Gea and Jose Mourinho among others, made it clear that Costa would not be leaving Chelsea and that the Premier League champions have no intention of selling the striker.

Furthermore, Atletico had already begun the early stages of signing both Luciano Vietto and Jackson Martinez and head coach Diego Simeone was not interested in adding a third striker of the summer given that Fernando Torres was already on the books following his return from AC Milan last season.

Chelsea striker Diego Costa in action against West Brom (Getty Images)

Despite the claims that the 26-year-old may want a move back to the continent, the arrival of new £21.1m signing Pedro from Barcelona could go a long way to keeping Costa at Stamford Bridge. The 28-year-old arrived last week and made an instant impact in scoring the opener against West Brom, before laying on the assist for Costa’s effort despite clearly going for goal himself.

If the pair – along with midfielder Cesc Fabregas – can go on to strike up a strong understanding for both club and country, it would be difficult to see Costa leave anytime soon, especially with the emphasis at the club on winning the Champions League to appease manager Jose Mourinho’s desire to win it with the Blues.

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