Transfer news: Arsenal send scouts to watch Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa ahead of £32m January offer - reports

The 25-year-old has scored an impressive 17 goals in 16 league matches this season

Clive Burrows
Wednesday 18 December 2013 08:27 EST
Comments
Arsenal have reportedly identified Diego Costa as a January target
Arsenal have reportedly identified Diego Costa as a January target (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Arsenal will reportedly send scouts to watch Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa this week, in his final two matches before the Spanish clubs go on their winter break until January.

The Gunners’ chief scout Steve Rowley is understood to be attending Atletico’s Copa de Rey tie against Sant Andreu, and the league match against Levante on Saturday. Both will be at home.

The 25-year-old Brazilian-born forward, who has declared his intention to play international football for Spain, has been in scintillating form this season for Atletico, scoring 17 goals in 16 league matches for the team who sit level on points at the top of La Liga with Barcelona.

Wenger tried and failed to land strikers Gonzalo Higuain and Luis Suarez over the summer, and adding another front-man to the ranks at the Emirates must be one of his main concerns during the January transfer window to ease the pressure on Olivier Giroud.

Reports claim that Costa has a £32m buyout clause in his contract, but he would be ineligible to play for the Gunners in the Champions League this season, having appeared for Atletico in the competition.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in