Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa could be set for a stunning comeback to the Premier League, with Arsenal apparently keeping an eye on him.
According to Goal, the Gunners are one of several clubs to have held preliminary conversations with the 33-year-old, who is close to agreeing to end his contract with Atletico Mineiro in Brazil.
Mikel Arteta remains eager to enhance his offensive options during the January transfer window, despite the fact that Arsenal has not made an official enquiry for the former Spain international, according to the source. Arsenal's options up front are limited, with out-of-favour Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on international duty in Africa and Folaring Balogun loaned to Middlesbrough this week.
The only two recognised strikers at Arteta's disposal are Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah, but both are out of contract at the end of the season and have combined for just three Premier League goals this season.
Costa scored 58 goals in 120 appearances in all competitions during his three seasons at Stamford Bridge, winning the Premier League and League Cup in 2015 and another title in 2017. The 33-year-old scored three goals in six matches against Arsenal in all competitions while at Chelsea, winning five of them.
Costa also scored the game-winning goal in Atletico Madrid's 2018 Europa League semifinal win over Arsenal in Arsene Wenger's final season at the club.
The striker, who is now on holiday in Spain, has received an offer from LaLiga club Cadiz, as well as interest from Brazilian giants Sao Paulo.
Costa scored five goals in 19 appearances for Atletico Mineiro after joining the club in August of last year. Rodrigo Caetano, the club's director of football, informed Goal that Costa had stated a wish to leave at the end of the season.
'He was terrified of staying in Europe for such a long time, so he made it plain that if he didn't feel comfortable, we could come to an arrangement like this.' ", stated the manager who finished the job.
"We accepted the request and are currently putting up the best possible arrangement for all parties. We appreciate his service and the time he has spent with us. He is highly unlikely to remain on the sidelines with us this season.'
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