Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa could be in line for a shock return to the Premier League, with Arsenal reportedly keeping tabs on the former Brazilian.
According to Goal, Arsenal are one of several clubs to have held informal talks with the 33-year-old, who is close to finalising an agreement to terminate his contract with Brazilian outfit Atletico Mineiro.
While the report noted Arsenal have not submitted an official enquiry for the former Spain international, Mikel Arteta remains eager to bolster his attacking options during the January transfer window.
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With the out-of-favour Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations and Folaring Balogun loaned to Middlesbrough this week, Arsenal’s choices up-front are limited.
Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are the only two recognised strikers at Arteta’s disposal, but both are out of contract at the end of the season and have combined for just three Premier League goals so far this term.
Costa scored 58 goals in 120 appearances in all competitions over three seasons at Stamford Bridge, winning the Premier League and the League Cup in 2015 and lifting another league title in 2017.
During his time at Chelsea, he scored three times in six meetings against Arsenal in all competitions, winning on five occasions.
Costa also scored the winning goal in the 2018 Europa League semifinal for Atletico Madrid, knocking out Arsenal in Arsene Wenger’s final season at the club.
The striker, who is currently on holiday in Spain, has received an offer from LaLiga club Cadiz and Brazilian giants Sao Paulo are also said to be interested in signing him.
Having joined Atletico Mineiro in August of last year, Costa scored five times in 19 appearances as his team won the double.
1 Comment
It will be great to see Diego Costa make a return to the English Premier League. He has the potential to join the league of seemingly over-the-hill footballers who prove they can still compete at elite level.
Ibrahimovic, Messi, Ronaldo, Chielinni, Silva and Milner: the list is endless.
With Aubameyang out of favour, this lends credibility to the news of Arsenal check for a stop gap reinforcement up front with Costa fitting the bill to a T.
Hopefully the transfer will see the light of day which should help Arsenal bolster their efforts of finishing in top 5 of the English Premier League.