Atletico Madrid are unlikely to sign Chelsea striker Diego Costa, club president Enrique Cerezo has revealed.
Costa has been linked with a move away after falling out with Blues boss Antonio Conte in January, a clash which casted serious doubts over the Spaniard's future, but has since been temporarily patched up.
Rumours linking Costa with a return to Atletico and a move to the Chinese Super League have been rampant, but Costa has returned to Chelsea's starting team and helped them overcome Arsenal 3-1 on Saturday, with Chelsea now nine points clear at the top of the Premier League.
While a summer transfer for Costa could materialise, Atletico manager Cerezo believes Chelsea will not allow their star striker to leave.
"They [media] say he will go to China, but Chelsea will not allow him to leave," Cerezo toldCope radio.
Cerezo later clarified his stance on Costa, confirming he would love to welcome the former Valladolid man back to the Vicente Calderon Stadium.
"I would love for Costa to return but it's not easy. He plays for a strong team, a team that is likely to win the Premier League," Cerezo toldCadena Ser radio.
"I don't think the big teams will allow their top players to leave."
With 15 Premier League goals in 22 appearances, Costa is one of the top scorers in the competition, behind only Romelu Lukaku who scored four against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Alongside Eden Hazard, Costa is regarded as one of Chelsea's most important attacking talents, and will hope to return to the scoresheet when his side take on Burnley on Sunday.