Arsenal are reportedly interested in former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa, who is a free agent since terminating his contract with Atletico Mineiro.
According to Fichajes, Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Diego Costa in this window as they face difficulties pursuing primary striker targets. The former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea star has been a free agent since terminating his contract with Atletico Mineiro.
Arsenal finds themselves in a tricky situation as they face a real shortage of strikers heading into the second half of the season. Since they have been knocked out of the FA Cup and have no European commitments, their sole focus remains on the Premier League. Mikel Arteta currently has only Alexandre Lacazette as his senior forward.
Gabriel Martinelli is capable of slotting in centrally, but his recent surge in a wide role means Arteta is unlikely to change things regarding his position. The Gunners have banished Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from their plans, while Eddie Nketiah’s future remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Folarin Balogun has left the club on loan and signed with Middlesbrough.
While Arteta’s primary target is Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic, the process to broker a deal for the Serbian is proving difficult for Arsenal so far. While it is unknown if the 21-year-old will sign for the Gunners, they have alternatives such as Lille’s Jonathan David and Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak in their sights.
However, there could be complications in pursuing those stars, and Arsenal believe they cannot end the window without signing a reliable striker. They are reportedly content with bringing someone just as a backup for Lacazette to provide depth.
It has led to links with many strikers in the past few weeks. The latest of the lot is former Chelsea star Diego Costa, who is currently a free agent following the termination of his deal with Atletico Mineiro in Brazil.
The Spaniard has not been in his sharpest form for a few years now, which led to his downfall at Atletico Madrid and struggles in Brazil. While he may still have the pedigree to play for a top-level side, there is not enough trust in the striker to perform at the level Arsenal require.
Costa reportedly has an offer from La Liga side Cadiz, although if there is a serious approach from Arsenal, his head might turn towards a Premier League return. However, these stories linking Costa to north London should be taken with a pinch of salt, although he could be a viable option if the club fail to sign any of their top targets this month.
