Chelsea Transfer News: Diego Costa Contract Talk Amid Atletico Madrid Rumours

Chelsea are reportedly hoping to tie Diego Costa down to a two-year contract extension and a handsome pay rise in order to keep the striker out of the clutches of former club Atletico Madrid. 

According to the Mirror's John Cross, the Blues are looking to extend Costa's contract—which is set to expire in 2019—to 2021, as well as bumping his wages from £150,000 per week "closer to £200,000 per week."

Costa, 28, is the Premier League's leading scorer on 13 goals, and Blues manager Antonio Conte will be keen to secure the Spain international's services with his side sat at the top of the English top flight.

After a disappointing 2015-16 campaign at Stamford Bridge, Costa and Co. have fired back into form this season, and the frontman has even eclipsed a club legend in reaching a substantial milestone:

With six goals in his last eight games, Costa is the Premier League's in-form scoring force, but the allure of former employers Atletico has always lingered.

Sky Sports Statto also helped illustrate just how important Costa has been to Chelsea's success this season:

Conte has benefited greatly from having such an accomplished force leading his attack, particularly with the Italian's 3-4-3 formation appearing to coax the best from the striker.

The revived form of wingers Eden Hazard, Victor Moses and Pedro has also been critical to Costa rediscovering his stride in front of goal, and the former's numbers have risen again this season as well:

After what appeared to be a rocky start to life under Conte, Costa has found his rhythm and may not be tempted to look elsewhere as he eyes another Premier League crown this season. 

Even his beloved former club, Atletico, might struggle to convince the player to return to the Vicente Calderon, particularly if Chelsea can elevate his salary to those heights rarely seen in La Liga.

If Costa did sign the proposed two-year extension, it would mean the striker would be 32 years of age by the time it reaches its expiration date in 2021, assuring the west Londoners of the player's peak years.