According to AS, Diego Costa is close to joining Corinthians on a free transfer, despite interest from Arsenal and Newcastle.
What’s the story?
Well, the 33-year-old has been without a club since leaving Atlético Mineiro in January, which prompted talk of a return to the Premier League.
It was Goal who revealed that Arsenal submitted an enquiry to sign Costa on a free transfer in January.
Elsewhere, it was Calciomercato who claimed that Newcastle were also monitoring the Spain international’s situation.
Now, AS believe Costa is closing in on a move to one of the biggest clubs in his homeland of Brazil.
In 26 appearances last season, the ex-Chelsea forward scored just seven goals, while also providing one assist.
Arsenal and Newcastle shouldn’t be upset
In our view, we’re not quite sure why the Gunners and the Magpies were interested in signing Costa in the first place.
As aforesaid, his goal record from last season was quite poor, and all the signs suggest he is no longer the fearsome striker he once was.
Costa is now 33, and even if he did enjoy a good campaign in England, he wouldn’t be a long-term option for Mikel Arteta or Eddie Howe.
Crucially, Arsenal and Newcastle are both trying to navigate their way through long-term projects, so neither side have any need for a short-term fix.
Arteta is attempting to overhaul the Gunners into a youthful, dynamic side, where the likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are talismanic figures.
In Newcastle’s case, they are plotting how to spend their newfound wealth to break into the Champions League.
Therefore, a move for Costa would’ve been pointless for both sides.
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