Arsenal target Diego Costa going nowhere claims Chief

Atletico Madrid’s director of football has denied rumours that striker Diego Costa could be on his way to either Arsenal or Chelsea in the January transfer window.

The Brazilian international has been in stunning form this season scoring 19 goals in 17 games and has established himself as one of the most feared strikers in European football. He has more goals than the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and is La Liga’s top scorer this season.

Some reports have stated that the Gunners are keeping a close eye on the Brazilian and could move for the goal scoring striker in the January transfer window. He is thought to be valued at around £30 million by the high flying La Liga side.

However Atletico chief Jose Luis Caminero told Spanish newspaper Marca that the 25 year old, who has committed his international future to Spain, will stay in Madrid. He said:

Right now Costa does not think of leaving, he is contracted to Atletico.
He has renewed with us which is important. He has shown that he wants to continue at this club.

Costa was born in Lagarto, Brazil and grew up playing beach football until he was signed up by Portuguese side Braga at the age of 17 and was immediately loaned out to FC Penafiel. He then signed for Atletico Madrid in 2007 but was immediately loaned back to Braga for the rest of the season. He spent loan spells at Celta Vigo and Albacete before being sold to Valladolid in 2009 and despite his good start for the club, they were relegated from La Liga.

He was taken back to Atletico Madrid, and after a bad knee injury, played a brief loan spell at Rayo Vallecano, where his career came alight, scoring 9 times in 16 appearances. But since his return to Madrid he has been immaculate in front of goal and has done brilliantly to replace Radamel Falcao this season.

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He is capable of playing through the middle, but the forward prefers to work out on the left wing and run in at the defenders. He has the pace, strength and the aerial ability to dominate opponents. He can control the ball, he can run with it and he can obviously shoot, head and volley.

Wenger’s over reliance on Giroud has started to show its holes, with the Frenchman entering a barren patch of late, having not scored in his last seven outings. It is evident that Arsenal need a striker and Costa would be an excellent addition.

The £30 million release clause doesn’t seem to be that big compared to the other big name strikers in the market and these comments from their chief may not matter either as it will be purely the player’s decision whether to stay or not when a release clause exists. His signing will be a big boost to Arsenal’s chances of winning silverware this season.

Is Costa the striker we need in January? Share your thoughts in the comments below.