Diego Costa is rapidly running out of time to leave Chelsea this summer.
With just over a week until the transfer window closes, the Blues' wantaway forward doesn't appear to be edging any closer towards the exit.
Costa was told at the very start of the summer that he was not part of Antonio Conte's plans for the new campaign and yet the 28-year-old remains on Chelsea's books.
He has repeatedly stated his desire to return to Spain, specifically Atletico Madrid; however, their current transfer ban has complicated things further.
The situation certainly hasn't been helped by his refusal to train with the reserves and instead of returning to Stamford Bridge, Costa has opted to stay in his native Brazil until his future has been resolved.
It's a real mess.
According to The Sun, if he is going to get his dream move back to Diego Simeone's team, Costa is going to have to swallow some pride.
That's because the La Liga side want him to return to Chelsea and make peace with them before he leaves.
The British tabloid claims Atletico want negotiations with the Premier League champions to go as smoothly as possible - something far more likely to happen if Costa is able to resolve his differences with those at the top of his current club.
If the 28-year-old does want to move as much as he says he does, surely that isn't too much to ask?
Even if Costa does agree to Atletico's request and return, the small matter of his transfer fee could still prove an issue.
Chelsea value the Spanish international at £50 million. Los Rojiblancos are only willing to fork out half of that fee to re-sign a player they sold three years ago for £32m.
Of course, should an agreement eventually be reached, Costa will still have to wait until Atletico's transfer ban ends in January before he can make his second debut for the club.