Having secured the £42 million signing of Real Madrid playmaker Mesut Özil during the summer, Arsenal look set to test the resolve of their city rivals Athletico by meeting the £32 million release clause of Brazilian forward Diego Costa.
Having missed out on Liverpool’s Luis Suarez during the summer – having infamously bid £40,000,001 under the impression this would trigger a release clause in the Uruguayan’s contract – the addition of a top class centre forward would surely turn the Gunners into genuine title contenders following their excellent form thus far this season.
Costa himself is in exceptional form. Following a stuttering start to his Atletico Madrid career – he has been sent out on loan on four separate occasions, including a stint at Rayo Vallecano as recently as 2012 – he has taken his tally for Los Colchoneros to 35 goals in 76 appearances, including 23 goals in 23 games this season in all competitions.
Of course, Atletico themselves have benefited hugely from his form – as well as from the input of their astute manager, Diego Simeone – and they currently sit second to Barcelona in La Liga on goal difference alone. Thus, just because Arsenal are prepared to meet Costa’s asking price does not mean he would necessarily wish to move.
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