The Blues have made signing another forward at the end of the season their number one priority.
And despite links to Luis Suarez, Wayne Rooney and Gonzalo Higuain, Costa has emerged as the man Jose Mourinho wants.
According to reports in Spain, Chelsea failed with a late bid for the striker during January’s transfer deadline day, but the club are working on a new offer for the summer.
Costa would cost around £35million, but the Blues are ready to offer £20million – and former Atletico captain Torres as part of the deal.
The cash on its own would not tempt the La Liga side, but the opportunity to re-sign Torres, a legendary figure among fans, would prove difficult to turn down.
Mourinho has lost faith with Torres and with Romelu Lukaku returning from a loan spell at Everton, his first-team chances will be non-existent.
Chelsea are expected to make the offer once the season finishes, with the Stamford Bridge club keen to get Costa signed up ahead of the World Cup in Brazil.
Written by Steve Milne @stevenmilnelive
