Emotional Diego Costa says goodbye to Atletico Mineiro after ex-Chelsea star is linked with shock Arsenal free transfer

DIEGO COSTA bid farewell to Atletico Mineiro as speculation mounts that he could be on his way to Arsenal.

The striker, 33, is available on a free transfer after terminating his contract with the Brazilian side.

Diego Costa has posted an emotional goodbye to Atletico MineiroCredit: AFP

The striker has been linked with a shock free transfer to ArsenalCredit: Getty

The Spanish international striker has held informal talks with several clubs – including the Gunners.

After his departure was confirmed, Costa wrote on Instagram: “Today, officially, I say goodbye to Atletico.

“I would like to thank all Massa Atleticana for all the support and affection I received from the first to the last day. Thank you so much for being part of my childhood dream of playing in Brazilian football and winning titles.

“I would also like to express my gratitude to the entire technical staff, medical department, employees and especially to my teammates who helped me daily, always doing everything to make me feel comfortable.

“The feeling that remains is gratitude to all of you Athleticans. Thank you and I wish you all the success in the world!!!”

LaLiga side Cadiz, Brazilian clubs Corinthians and Sao Paolo are also believed to be interested in Costa along with Arsenal.

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Costa only joined Atletico Mineiro last summer but could be ready for a return to Europe.

Costa 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.

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 are in need of a striker after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was frozen out of the first-team before he left for the Africa Cup of Nations.

There is also speculation linking Eddie Nketiah with a transfer exit this month.

Bayer Leverkusen and Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in the young striker whose contract expires in the summer.

Alexandre Lacazette also has just six months remaining on his current deal.

Arsenal have made Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic their top transfer priority and are willing to spend £58million on the Serbian.

Mikel Arteta is also desperate to bring in a midfielder with a move for Juventus’ Arthur Melo in the works.

⚽ Get all the latest Arsenal news, updates and transfer gossip with our live blogs

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

Emotional Diego Costa says goodbye to Atletico Mineiro after ex-Chelsea star is linked with shock Arsenal free transfer

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