Chelsea FC confirmed today on their official website chelseafc.com that striker Diego Costa had agreed to terms with Atletico Madrid and will move back to his former side subject to the agreement of personal terms and a medical.

The 28-year-old has not featured for the Blues this season after manager Antonio Conte had reportedly told the striker that he had no future at the club - fueling speculation linking the two-time Brazil international with a move back to the club he left in 2014.

Although Costa's departure is set to be confirmed, Atletico is still subject to a Transfer ban and therefore Costa will not be able to play for the Colchoneros until January.

A controversial spell in London

Costa was first on Atletico's books between 2007 and 2009, before re-signing in 2010 and went on to score 64 goals in 135 appearances for the 2014 La Liga champions.

A £32 million move to Chelsea saw him become a fan favourite at the London club, but ongoing disciplinary problems on and off the pitch meant that Costa earned himself a controversial reputation.

The frontman scored 59 goals in all competitions for the Blues, but missed 12 games through suspension and in December 2015 was labelled the 'most hated footballer' by French newspaper L'Equipe.

The former Barcelona trainee earned himself a place in the Premier League Team of the Season in 2015 after scoring 20 goals on the way to helping Chelsea win their fifth top-flight title, but was reportedly notified by text message that he would not be playing any part at Stamford Bridge this season.

Griezmann or Vietto to leave Atletico?

Costa's move to Atletico leaves the Spanish side with six recognised strikers, meaning the rumoured departures of star player Antoine Griezmann and teammate Luciano Vietto may bear fruit in the winter transfer window.

Griezmann hit 26 goals last season after starring for France at the World Cup and was subsequently linked with a move away from the Spanish capital, with Manchester United rumoured to be interested.

However, the 26-year-old dismissed any exit reports after learning that a replacement could not be signed due to Atletico's transfer ban.

Argentine striker Vietto spent last season on loan at Sevilla and was linked with a €20 million switch to Italian side Sampdoria, but stayed at Wanda Metropolitano this season and has featured three times so far upon his return.

However, even if club legend Fernando Torres leaves the club at the end of the season once his contract expires Atletico will still have plenty of options up front, and therefore Costa's arrival could trigger the exit for either Griezmann or Vietto.
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