Arsene Wenger has been encouraged to make an audacious bid for Diego Costa by Arsenal legend Ian Wright.
The Spain international spearheaded Chelsea’s title-winning campaign last season, but has been frozen out by Antonio Conte who took a decision on Costa’s future as far back as January.
Despite record signing Alvaro Morata having made an inauspicious start to his Chelsea career, Conte is adamant there is no way back for Costa who was notified of his manager’s decision via text message earlier this summer.
Arsenal currently have an abundance of riches up front with their own record signing Alexandre Lacazette due to face competition from the likes of Olivier Giroud, Danny Welbeck, Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott.
Despite the various options Wenger has at his disposal, Wright believes the Frenchman should rediscover his ruthless streak and test the waters with a bid for Costa.
‘To be honest, as fanciful and unlikely as it may be, I’d also like to see Arsenal at least dipping their toe in the water for Diego Costa as well.
Conte on Costa
‘I don’t like to talk about players who are not here but the only thing I can tell you [is that] in January, the Costa situation was very clear, for the club for him and his agent.
‘For me the situation is closed.’
‘For all the talk of him going back to Spain, nothing’s been done yet, so at least ask the question,’ said Wright.
‘Because despite all his antics, he is also a brilliant, proven Premier League goalscorer.’
Costa is believed to have his heart set on a return to Atletico Madrid, who are banned from signing new players until January.
‘I don’t want to comment too much,’ said Atletico manager Diego Simeone earlier this week.
The fact is he is still with Chelsea. The most important thing to me is the work of my club in general, not only in training.
‘I have to work with what I have.’
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