Chelsea target Koke rules out Atletico Madrid exit and hails Filipe Luis potential return

Chelsea target Koke has ruled out the possibility of leaving Atletico Madrid during the summer transfer window while welcoming the potential return of his "friend" Filipe Luis from Stamford Bridge - after the Brazilian left-back had struggled to secure regular time under Jose Mourinho during his debut season in the Premier League.

Mourinho is said to be looking again closely to Diego Simeone's side ahead of the next transfer window after the Portuguese boss already brought Diego Costa and Filipe Luis himself from the La Liga champions last summer and as well got back Thibaut Courtois, who had spent the previous three seasons on loan at the Vicente Calderon.

A number of reports have claimed in recent days Mourinho has targeted the signing of Antoine Griezmann to partner with Costa up-front while he is also monitoring the versatile Koke.

The Spanish international midfielder was already linked with a move to Stamford Bridge – and also Manchester United – during last summer but he then instead decided to commit his future to the Vicente Calderon until 2019 by signing a new lucrative contract that increased his release clause to €60m (£43m, $65m).

Spanish newspaper AS revealed last month that Mourinho has not given up in his intentions to secure his services and eventually sent club technical director Michael Emenalo to La Rosaleda stadium on 11 April during the La Liga game between Malaga and Atletico Madrid to scout the developments of the midfielder.

But Koke himself has now ruled out the possibility of following the footsteps of Costa and Filipe Luis and swap the Calderon for Stamford Bridge this summer.

Asked whether he has already decided to stay at Atletico Madrid next season, he said, according to AS: "Yes, 100% I will play here".

Meanwhile the midfielder added that he will welcome back Filipe Luis should the Brazilian international decide to return to Atletico Madrid.

Luis moved to the Blues last summer for around £16m but, having been overshadowed by the impressive season of Cesar Azpilicueta, reports have claimed he is likely to return to Atletico Madrid.

Asked about that possibility, Koke responded: "Filipe is more than a teammate for me, but a friend. If he comes back to the club he will be welcome."