Diego Costa ends Atletico Madrid contract ahead of Arsenal move

Spain striker Diego Costa has terminated his contract with Atletico Madrid, paving way for a possible Premier League return with Arsenal.

The 32-year-old, whose deal was due to expire next summer, fell out of favour at the Spanish club.

Costa has made only three appearances, all as a substitute, since mid-October.

“The striker asked to leave the club for personal reasons a few days ago and on Tuesday signed the termination of his contract,” said Atletico.

“The club thanks Diego Costa for his dedication during these years and wishes him well in the next stage of his professional career.”

Luis Suarez and Joao Felix have been preferred to Costa up front this season.

Arsenal are considering a move for Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa who is now free to join any club of his choice in the January transfer window

Costa, who returned to Atletico from Chelsea in 2018, has started just two games in LaLiga this season due to injury.

Arsenal and Wolves have been linked with moves for Costa, who won two Premier League titles during his three-season stint with Chelsea.

Costa scored 59 goals in 120 games for Chelsea, but his spell ended in acrimony after then manager Antonio Conte told him via text message that he was not part of his plans for the following season.

Costa refused to return to Chelsea from his home in Brazil after being told to train with the reserves.

In September 2017 Costa was sold to Atletico, the club where he made his name as LaLiga’s top scorer in their 2013-14 title win.

Atletico are top of LaLiga, ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference with two games in hand.

Costa would provide an experienced option for Arsenal having spent three seasons in the Premier League with Chelsea. The Spain international scored 59 goals in 120 games for Chelsea and helped the club win two Premier League titles during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal are looking to bolster their firepower following a poor start to the Premier League campaign which has seen them register just 17 points from their first 15 matches.

Mikel Arteta’s side have struggled to create chances during games, while only Fulham, West Brom, Burnley and Sheffield United have scored fewer goals than the Gunners this term.