Forward Diego Costa has claimed that Atletico Madrid are willing to pay more than £32m for his signature, but Chelsea are pricing him out of a move.
On Thursday, Costa backed up quotes attributed to him at the weekend by reiterating that he wishes to return to his former club, but Chelsea are currently unhappy with last season's top goalscorer as he continues to remain in Brazil after being informed that he does not feature in Antonio Conte's plans.
Costa has now moved to suggest that the Premier League champions are refusing to allow him to return to Madrid, despite receiving an offer which is more than what they paid for the Spanish international back in 2014.
The 28-year-old told ESPN: "I've demonstrated I care for Atletico and have interest in playing for them, but if Atletico and Chelsea don't come to an agreement and Atletico don't make a big effort, I can't keep on wanting to play for a club that isn't going to make a bigger effort to try and sign me.
"I know that this [big effort] will happen, but if it's to pay the amount that Chelsea want it won't be possible. What I know is that this offer Chelsea will get is bigger than what they paid (when they signed Costa from Atletico for £32m in July 2014), so I've given them something back in all senses [sporting and financial]."
"I don't know [about price], but my agent said that Chelsea want something that Atletico can't get near."
During his three-year spell at Stamford Bridge, Costa has netted 58 goals in 120 appearances in all competitions.
Darren Plant
