Arsenal ‘make a SHOCK enquiry for former Chelsea striker Diego Costa’ with the Gunners’ old nemesis desperate to leave Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options in January
Diego Costa could be in line for a shock return to the Premier League, with Arsenal reportedly keeping tabs on the former Chelsea striker.
According to Goal, the Gunners 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.
Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa could be in line for a shock return to the Premier League
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.
Costa is a free agent after leaving Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro earlier this week
During his time at Chelsea, the 33-year-old 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.
The Spaniard won two Premier League titles during three seasons with Chelsea
He scored three times in six games against Arsenal during his spell with the Blues
The club’s director of football, Rodrigo Caetano, told Goal Costa had expressed his desire to leave at the end of the season.
‘He was afraid of this long period that he stayed in Europe, he made it clear that at some point, if he didn’t feel comfortable, we could make an agreement of this type”, said the manager who completed
“We accepted the request and we are building the best agreement for all parties. We appreciate his delivery and this period with us. It is very likely that he will not stay with us this season from the sides.’
