Chelsea Transfer News: Diego Costa on Blues Future, Latest Ivan Perisic Rumours

Diego Costa has said he will only leave Chelsea for former club Atletico Madrid if the Premier League champions decide to sell him. Costa also made it clear he wants to stay at Chelsea but hinted he'll leave if his playing time is reduced.

The striker was speaking after the Blues lost the FA Cup final 2-1 to London rivals Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. It denied Chelsea the chance of a second league and cup double in the club's history.

Asked about his future after the game during an interview with South American station DIRECTV Sports (h/t Sky Sports), Costa talked up a possible return to Atleti: "I will only leave Chelsea for Atletico. If not, I will stay here. I'm not interested in other clubs."

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Yet Costa also hinted during the interview how easily things could change: "I have a contract and no intention of leaving, but if there are changes to be made that might reduce my chances, if the coach won't count on me anymore or is to give space for another striker, I know that I'll have to leave."

The player's assertion he is not interested in other clubs is somewhat surprising considering how often Costa has been linked with a move to China. Earlier this month, the striker was linked with a move to Chinese Super League club Tianjin Quanjian in a transfer worth £76 million, a deal set to pay Costa £620,000 per week, according to Tony Banks of the Daily Express.

However, this mooted deal was threatened when Super League officials imposed a 100 percent tax on all foreign deals, per Sam Morgan of the Sun. Morgan noted how the new taxation policy meant Costa would now cost Chinese suitors up to £150 million.

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Costa's assertion about Atletico may be in part motivated by the changes to the law in China, but it also makes sense for the prolific 28-year-old to talk up a return to Madrid.

After all, Costa helped Los Rojiblancos win La Liga's title ahead of Barcelona in the 2013/14 season. He had already scored to help Atleti win the Copa del Rey final against neighbours Real Madrid at the end of the previous campaign.

Even so, Chelsea would be wise to keep their main striker for as long as possible. Costa has been patchy at times this season but still scored 20 goals in the league, per WhoScored.com.

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Few strikers at the top level can match Costa's predatory instincts and ruthless finishing. Losing him would be a big blow for a powerful Chelsea squad built on its potency in attack.

Blues Keen on Ivan Perisic

Chelsea have shown an interest in Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic, according to a report from Sky in Italy (h/t Sky Sports). However, Chelsea's Premier League rivals Manchester United are said to be in talks to sign the Croatia international: "Manchester United have made an opening offer of £36m but Inter value Perisic at between £48m and £52m."

A separate report from Sky Sports had detailed United's talks, while also revealing the player may be open to a switch to Old Trafford: "It is understood the fee for the 28-year-old would be in excess of £36m and that both the player and Inter are keen on the deal."

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Yet Inter's apparent insistence on demanding as much as £52 million for Perisic could keep him in play for Chelsea. There is no doubt he would be an asset in manager Antonio Conte's squad, although the Blues are well-stocked in wide areas, with Eden Hazard, Pedro and Willian.

The latter has been linked with a move to United but recently said he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge, per the Daily Mirror.

Still, Perisic is versatile enough to be used in a variety of positions. He can operate on either flank or even as a classic No. 10. Smart movement off the ball defines the 28-year-old's game, with his pace and runs through the middle problems for any defence. He's also an attacker blessed with highly accomplished technique.

Ultimately though, Chelsea may already have all the talent they need in wide areas. Conte's bigger priority should be keeping hold of Costa or stepping up his efforts to find a worthy replacement if one is needed.