Arsenal transfer blow as Diego Costa ‘wants to link up with former Chelsea team-mate Willian at Corinthians’
ARSENAL have suffered a transfer blow with claims Diego Costa wants to reunite with ex-Chelsea pal Willian at Corinthians.
The striker, 33, is available on a free transfer after terminating his contract with the Atletico Mineiro.
After his departure was confirmed, Costa wrote an emotional goodbye on Instagram to the Brazilian side’s supporters.
The Spanish international striker has held informal talks with several clubs – including the Gunners.
However, the Evening Standard claims that Mikel Arteta’s team are unlikely to sign him.
That is due to the fact that Costa is keen on a move to Corinthians and the opportunity to play alongside former Chelsea team-mate Willian.
Costa only joined Atletico Mineiro last summer and scored four goals in 15 top-flight appearances for them.
He loved scoring against the Gunners during his Chelsea career, with a stunning record of six goals and five wins in six appearances against the North Londoners.
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The controversial star left the Blues with an overall record of 58 Premier League goals in 120 appearances over three seasons at Stamford Bridge, where won the title twice.
He continued to haunt the Gunners with the Spanish club, too, as he scored the goal that kicked Arsene Wenger’s team out of the Europa League semi-finals in 2018 during the legendary Frenchman’s final season in charge.
Arsenal have made Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic their top transfer priority and are willing to spend £58million on the Serbian.
Arteta is also desperate to bring in a midfielder with a move for Juventus’ Arthur Melo in the works.
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