Dressing room pick up phone to convince player, Chelsea want him in London

Diego Costa to Atletico Madrid is one of the sagas of the summer.

The Brazilian born striker has spent much of Antonio Conte’s reign being a pain for the Italian manager, but good enough on the pitch to be worth keeping around.

Chelsea decided that situation was to change this summer, but Conte being straight with Costa, who had likely annoyed the manager for some time, has given the striker a victim status he refuses to let go of.

Marca report on Thursday that Chelsea are refusing to budge with Atletico unless Costa returns to England. The London club have wanted Costa to return and face the music, but he’s been hiding out on holiday instead.

Interestingly, Atletico are with Chelsea in this, and various players from the rojiblancos dressing room have contacted the forward urging him to go and sort his situation out.

Chelsea want Costa to have to front up as some kind of punishment for his behaviour, on top of the fines he’s been receiving.

From Atletico’s perspective they want a deal done but given Costa can’t play for them until January, there’s no desperate rush.

The Spanish transfer window closes on Friday.