Diego Costa will be one of the interesting players to watch in the January transfer market and one club linked to him is Arsenal FC. However, it appears all these are nothing more than rumors with reports that the Gunners are distancing themselves from the Spanish striker.
Costa played just two games for Atletico Madrid this season and opted to terminate his contract early. His deal was originally due to expire in the summer. However, the 32-year-old fell down the pecking order of Atletico, especially with the arrival of Luis Suarez from Barcelona last summer.
"The striker asked to leave the club for personal reasons a few days ago and on Tuesday signed the termination of his contract," Atletico said in a statement. "The club thanks Diego Costa for his dedication during these years and wishes him well in the next stage of his professional career."
Diego Costa leaves Atlético after scoring 83 goals in 215 games for the club
Where next for @diegocosta?#UCL pic.twitter.com/ukIbegJbTl — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 29, 2020
Costa also thanked his supporters Wednesday and explained that the time for him to move on is now. He feels it is for the best interest of Los Indios and himself in an Instagram message.
"I think it's the best time [to split] for both sides and the best thing to help this team and this club. I've given, or at least I've always tried to give, my best for this club and this shirt," part of Costa’s IG message read.
Arsenal and Wolverhampton have been mentioned as potential landing spots for Costa. Considering he has two Premier League titles under his belt when he was still with Chelsea FC, he would be a valuable addition, BBC reported.
Costa scored 59 goals in 120 games for Chelsea before he was told by former Blues manager Antonio Conte in 2017 that he was no longer part of the club’s plans the following season.
The Gunners have shrugged off claims of any interest in Costa. Hence, the list has now dwindled. Aside from the Wolves, other clubs linked to the 32-year-old striker now include Barcelona, Sevilla or a club from the Champions League.
However, Arsenal may still pull off something by the January transfer window. Aside from Cost, another name has been linked to them, Isco. The midfielder has not gotten ample playing time with Real Madrid and the Gunners could end up settling for a loan deal with the Spanish football player.
Ironically, Isco was not around when for Los Blancos in their match against Elche after recently becoming a father. He was included in the 24-man squad but was a last-minute withdrawal. Real Madrid settled for a draw with Elche, 1-1.
