Diego Costa has been linked with a move to Arsenal (Getty Images)
According to claims from Spanish outlet AS (h/t The Sun), Arsenal are weighing up a potential swoop for Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa on a free transfer next month.
The 32-year-old’s contract at the Wanda Metropolitano runs until the end of June 2021 but the Rojiblancos are prepared to terminate his stay early to reduce their wage bills. Costa has struggled for form and fitness since his return to Atletico from Chelsea in the summer of 2017 and Diego Simeone is keen to get rid of the hitman, who remains one of the club’s highest earners. (AS h/t The Sun)
As per the report, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is keeping close tabs on the Spanish international’s contract situation in his homeland. Arsenal are expected to dip into the January window for some attacking reinforcements following a dismal start to the campaign. It is understood that Arteta would jump at the opportunity to offer the former Chelsea striker a return to the English capital if becomes a free agent.
Costa guided Atletico to the La Liga title with a 27-goal haul during the 2013-14 season before sealing a move to Chelsea. The striker went on to enjoy a productive spell at Stamford Bridge, scoring 52 times in 89 appearances for the Blues in the Premier League over three seasons. Costa won the PL title twice during his three-year stay at the club, establishing himself as a firm fan favourite in West London.
However, things haven’t quite worked out for him since returning to Atletico. Costa has slipped down the pecking order this season after scoring just 10 goals in the La Liga over the past three campaigns. The veteran has only started two league fixtures for the Rojiblancos so far this term, which pretty much sums up his dismal situation.
Putting things into context, Arsenal signing Diego Costa on a free transfer in January would certainly be a risk worth taking as far as Mikel Arteta is concerned. The Spaniard has had his fair share of struggles with injuries in recent seasons but he remains a world-class striker still capable of playing at the highest level.
The Gunners were believed to have struck gold with a new contract for star striker Pierre-Emerick Aumabeyang earlier in the year. That was a just reward on the back of a 22-goal haul in the PL last season for the Gabonese but he has been far from impressive this term. Aubameyang has been at the centre of Arsenal’s nightmarish start to the campaign, with just 3 goals in 13 games so far.
With Willian, Pepe and Lacazette all struggling to hit top gear, a potential deal for Diego Costa in January could just be the transfer spark that the Gunners need to get up and running once again. The veteran has been short of goals at Atletico in recent seasons but a return to London might help him rediscover his mojo.
Diego Costa absolutely terrorised defences in the Premier League with his brute force and clinical finishing earlier in his career. He struck a good partnership with Willian at Stamford Bridge and it would be a good idea for Arteta to team him up with the Brazilian once again at the Emirates.
It would be fair to say that the Spaniard is somewhat past his prime. But at 32, he still has something to offer and would be a useful addition to a goal-shy Arsenal forward line that has managed only 16 goals in 16 games so far. Having said that, he would undoubtedly be a shrewd acquisition on a free transfer.