Diego Costa is nearing a move to AC Milan as per reports.

The Spanish striker helped Antonio Conte win his first Premier League title in his very first season in England. However, post season comments from the striker indicated he would be on his way out for the new season.

Costa has been reported multiple times claiming Atletico Madrid to be his preferred club to move. However, their inability to register any new players until January due to a transfer ban from Fifa, restricts this possibility. Therefore, there were certain indications that the 28-year-old will join another club for a year-long loan, before moving to Atletico next season, when the La Liga outfit will be able to successfully acquire players.

Serie A side AC Milan has now emerged as Costa’s prominent suitor. AC Milan met with Costa’s agent Jorge Mendes last week, reportedly to discuss “a few of his clients”, which also includes the Chelsea forward.

#DiegoCosta is getting closer to #ACMilan

Jorge Mendes is working for total agreement btw #Chelsea and ACMilan. Talks ongoing. @SkySport pic.twitter.com/71z621Jc4u

— Angelo Mangiante (@angelomangiante) August 1, 2017

AC Milan have made it clear to Mendes that they’re not willing to sign Costa on a temporary basis, just so that he can then join Atletico.

Last week, AC Milan’s general manager Marco Fassone played down the Costa speculation. He said, “Diego Costa is a Chelsea player and I don’t want to talk about players from other clubs.

“He’s a great player — excellent — but at the moment, he is at Chelsea. We need time to work out whether or not to invest further. There could be opportunities which concern [Mendes’] players”.

Costa has also claimed earlier this summer that he was no longer interested in a lucrative move to China, something he was heavily linked with in January. He may have to re-think that stance, if he cannot make a move to a European buyer.