Diego Costa is set to snub a Premier League return with Arsenal, as the former Chelsea star has given Serie A side Salernitana the green light for a transfer before Monday’s deadline.
That’s according to Calciomercato.it, who report Costa told Salernitana that he is open to the move on Tuesday. The Arechi Stadium hierarchy thought a deal for the Spaniard was a dream up until this week. Now, his arrival in Campania with the Granata may be imminent.
Salernitana have flipped their season on its head over recent weeks, despite sitting bottom of Serie A. The Italian basement boys – who have 11 points after 22 games – first appointed Walter Sabatini as their Sporting Director and are now close to loaning Luigi Sepe of Parma.
Sabatini is currently finalising talks with Parma for Sepe to spend the rest of the term in the Campania region. He will then turn to Costa’s capture, after the 33-year-old left Atletico Mineiro earlier this month. The striker helped Galo win the Brazilian Serie A title last year.
Costa will likely sign an initial six-month deal with Salernitana to help Stefano Colantuono’s side stave off a possible relegation. But his contract will include an option to extend by 12-months if the Granata can avoid the drop. The Arechi natives are seven-points from safety.
Costa to snub Arsenal for Salernitana after informal transfer talks
Costa accepting Salernitana’s offer of a move to Serie A will see the striker snub a return to the Premier League in a free transfer to Arsenal. Goal have reported the Gunners held talks with the 24-cap Spain centre-forward over a potential mid-season move to north London.
Arsenal’s approach was only an informal discussion to sound out the former Chelsea ace’s interest in joining. They did not make the two-time Premier League winner – who Antonio Conte called ‘fantastic’ while at Stamford Bridge – an offer to now join Mikel Arteta’s side.
Arteta is in the market for another goal threat during the final week of the market, though, per CBS. Arsenal feel their current experienced options of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette are not up to the task of securing Champions League qualification.
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