Chelsea want rebel striker Diego Costa back in training
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Chelsea have told rebel striker Diego Costa they want him back in training.
The champions expect the £150,000-a-week striker back, fit and available for selection - and are adamant he will not force a move to Atletico Madrid for a cut-price fee.
It comes with Costa AWOL in Brazil and threatening - in an unsanctioned interview - to see out the remainder of his Blues contract unpaid instead of returning to play for Chelsea’s reserves.
Such a move would represent a nightmare scenario for club chiefs who have been battling to resolve the situation ever since Antonio Conte’s controversial text message, sent in June, telling Costa he was finished at the club.
Chelsea have told him they want him back at their Cobham HQ to begin work on his fitness, per the terms of his contract. Costa has maintained he will not be bullied and that he will now take control of his future.
(Image: REUTERS)
(Image: Reuters)
Chelsea want £50million for Costa but the striker’s stance could see his value plummet, aiding the negotiating position of Atletico Madrid, the club he wants to rejoin.
Atletico Madrid would not be able to register Costa until January as they remain under a transfer embargo. But the striker remains adamant that he doesn’t want to join any other club.
(Image: Clive Rose)
Chelsea have already fined him two weeks’ wages but Costa remains unmoved, claiming he is waiting for the club to “set me free”.
The Spain striker, currently in Brazil, has two years remaining on his contract. Chelsea were back for pre-season training on July 10.
Costa was given an extra week off but has not returned.