Topics: English Premier League, Chelsea, Antonio Conte, Diego Costa
The Spanish-born striker was rumored to be negotiating his return to Atletico Madrid, but the incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has ruled out that option.

Spanish striker Diego Costa will not return to Atlético Madrid anytime soon, despite the player's wishes and the UEFA Champions League runners up desire to have him back.

Reports by The Telegraph suggest that the Brazilian-born striker will return with The Blues next summer, since incoming coach Antonio Conte wants his squad to play with two forwards. The Italian boss also wants to sign Alvaro Morata in order to have a competitive frontline, with Michy Batshuayi taking a super-sub role with the London-based team.

Costa's first season with the Blues saw him emerge as Mourinho's top striker, scoring 21 goals in 37 apps and helping Chelsea to win the 2014-2015 Capital One Cup and Premier League titles. Nevertheless, his sophomore season was rather disappointing, with the former Atlético Madrid man being able to score only 16 goals in 40 apps.

Costa's shaky form last season forced Spain's tactician Vicente del Bosque to leave him out of the 23-man squad that played the UEFA Euro 2016.

The Telegraph also suggests that Costa has agreed to stay with the club next season, and has even spoken to his team-mates about the possibility of playing with them in the 2016-2017 Premier League season.

Following Chelsea's refusal to sell Costa back to Los Colchoneros, Diego Simeone's crew will reportedly make a move to sign either Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Gonzalo Higuaín, in order to comply with the Argentinean's wishes to boost his frontline.