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Reports: Arsenal ‘Will Pay Strikers Asking Price’ – Bid Will Go In This Summer

By on February 27, 2014

There are some interesting reports coming out of Spain that claim that Arsenal have informed Atletico Madrid we are willing to meet Diego Costa’s £32m release clause this summer.

Costa was linked with a move to the Emirates both in the summer and in January but he’s now on the radar of pretty much every big club in Europe after bagging 27 goals this season.

The 25-year-old signed a new contract last year but it included a release clause that would see him able to move should a club be willing to pay £32m, and it appears Arsenal are ready to do just that.

Spanish newspaper Sport AS is reporting that Arsenal, along with Chelsea and Manchester United, have made it clear to Atletico that we’re willing to pay the required fee and formal bids are expected to be tabled at the end of the season.

It will then be up to the striker to decide if he wants to move to England and if so, he’ll be able to discuss terms with each of the interested parties. Until now, Chelsea have probably been seen as the favourites and a potential swap deal involving goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois – who’s currently on-loan at Atletico – has been mooted.

However, hopefully we’re willing to go toe-to-toe with the Blues to land Costa as he’d be a superb signing and £32m would represent something of a bargain in todays market for a player of his quality.

It remains to be seen whether the Brazilian-born striker will want to leave the Vicente Calderon though, as they’ve been in excellent form this season with Diego Simone’s side pushing Real and Barca in the La Liga title race and they’re also likely to progress to the last 8 of the Champions League.

Atletico’s president was also recently quoted as saying he felt Costa would snub a move to England this summer to remain in Spain as he felt it would help the striker achieve his goal of becoming a regular in the Spanish national team.

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Who knows if that’s going to be the case but I personally hope we make every effort to lure Costa to the Emirates as we desperately need another top quality striker to challenge Olivier Giroud and he’d offer a real goal threat up front.

However, I have a sneaky feeling he may end up at Stamford Bridge if he does opt to come to the Premier League, with Courois likely to play a key role in any deal.

Would you like to see Arsenal sign Costa? If not, which striker do you want?

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