Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on Diego Costa Amid Blues Exit Request Rumours

Diego Costa reportedly wants to remain at Chelsea this summer, contrary to claims made in the Spanish media that he had asked to leave Stamford Bridge.

The Daily Mail's Mike Keegan and Charlie Skillen reported as much:

Per Goal's Nizaar Kinsella, sources "close to the player" have said he "is happy at Chelsea and is not looking for a move."

Kinsella added that Costa has been linked with a return to Atletico Madrid—speculation Los Rojiblancos president Enrique Cerezo did little to shut down when he said: "Costa played for us for a few years and he's a really good player, no one can deny that. I don't know if Costa has spoken to [Antonio] Conte, but we're working to hard bring the best players to Atleti.”

The Spain international was among the Blues' poorest performers under Jose Mourinho last season, but he enjoyed a remarkable turnaround in form under Guus Hiddink, ending the campaign with 16 goals and 11 assists to his name.

Since his arrival at Chelsea, only two players have been more prolific in the Premier League, per WhoScored.com:

The Blues have already recruited Michy Batshuayi this summer, but while the Belgian has great potential, he's unproven in England.

Further, aside from the pair, Conte lacks quality options at centre-forward—selling Costa now would leave him even shorter.

Costa started in the Blues' first friendly of pre-season on Saturday as Chelsea took on Rapid Vienna. It quickly became clear the 27-year-old would not be reining in his aggressive tendencies:

While it's often felt the controversial player oversteps the mark, his aggression and physicality made him well-suited to playing under Diego Simeone at the Vicente Calderon Stadium and help him cope with the rigours of the Premier League.

Unless Conte plans on bringing in more striking reinforcements, keeping Costa is a must.