Atletico Madrid, Chelsea reach initial agreement for Costa's transfer

Diego Costa and Atletico Madrid are set to be reunited.

On Thursday, Atleti reached an initial agreement with Chelsea for the transfer of Costa. According to Marca's Alberto R. Barbero, negotiations took almost all of Los Colchoneros' focus throughout the summer, and after all the minor issues were ironed out, the two clubs agreed on a fee that could reach up to €65 million, of which €55 million will be paid up front with the rest in the form of potential bonuses.

The agreement is pending the formalisation of a contract between Atleti and Costa, and the forward was authorised by Chelsea to travel to Madrid in order to undergo medical tests.

Chelsea allegedly tried to make the transfer as hard as possible for Costa, who didn't play for the Blues this season and refused to train with the reserves. In June, the striker claimed he'd been told by manager Antonio Conte that he wasn't wanted at the club, saying: "My relationship with the coach has been bad this season. I suppose I've had a bad season so I can't go on. I'm going to be honest, the other day, Conte sent me a message saying he does not count on me for next season, so I'll have to find a way out."

Then, in August, Costa accused Chelsea of treating him like a "criminal" and revealed that he wouldn't return to the Blues, declaring: "They want me to be there training with the reserves. I wouldn't be allowed access to the first-team dressing room and I would have no contact with the guys. I'm not a criminal. I don't think it is fair after all I have done to be treated like that. I am not in the wrong here. So, if they need to fine me, let them fine me. I take the hit every week but I'm not driven by money. You know that the manager doesn't want me. I am waiting for Chelsea to set me free. I didn't want to leave. I was happy. When the manager does not want you, you have to go."

Per the Guardian, Costa's relationship with Conte was damaged in January, when the footballer's head was turned by a big-money offer from the Chinese Super League that quickly vaporised. Numerous clubs were apparently alerted about the footballer's availability, but Costa's only desire was to return to Atleti and be reunited with Diego Simeone.

Costa is exiting Chelsea after tallying 59 goals for the Blues, 40 of which were scored during the club's last two conquests of the Premier League, and the last of which came in the final of the FA Cup, when Arsenal beat its crosstown rival 2-1 at Wembley Stadium.

At Atleti, Costa will be able to add to his tally of 64 goals and 135 appearances for Los Colchoneros.