Chelsea transfer news: Diego Costa bid rejected as Atletico Madrid offer Jackson Martinez swap

The striker arrived at Stamford Bridge from the Vicente Calderon in 2014

Chelsea striker Diego Costa (Getty Images)

Atletico Madrid have seen a late approach to take Diego Costa back rejected by Chelsea, according to reports.

The 27-year-old striker arrived at Stamford Bridge from the Vicente Calderon for a fee of £32million in 2014 but, just 18 months later, Costa’s old club have attempted to bring him back.

According to the Daily Mirror, Atletico were willing to do a straight swap deal for the Brazilian-born Spain international, with their misfiring frontman Jackson Martinez moving in the opposite direction.

Chelsea previously monitored Martinez during his time at Porto and have continued to be linked with the Colombian striker despite his move to the Spanish capital last summer.

The defending Premier League champions rejected Atletico’s proposal, however, as well as an improved cash-plus-player offer.

Chelsea are reluctant to part with their controversial frontman, who has scored six goals in his last six games and returned to form since a barren spell earlier in the season.

Martinez has suffered a disappointing debut La Liga campaign, scoring just three goals in 22 appearances for his new club.