Diego Costa decides on his future as Arsenal linked with move for free agent

Diego Costa has made a decision on his next club amid links to Arsenal following his contract cancellation at Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro.

Now aged 33, the striker enjoyed a short but successful stint at the Brazilian club as helped them to the league and cup double in Brazil.

The 24-time capped Spain international mutually agreed to cancel his contract at Atletico Madrid a year ago, before spending four months without a club.

The striker then penned a contract with Atletico Mineiro, whom he helped propel to the Brazilian league title - their first in 50 years and just the second in their history.

Costa netted five goals in 19 appearances for the club, where he played alongside former Brazil international and Porto striker Hulk.

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However, the player exited the club last month and has been linked with a return to the Premier League four years on from his bitter Chelsea exit.

Costa had a high-profile falling out with then Blues boss Antonio Conte, after the two had united to lead Chelsea to the 2016/17 Premier League title - the most recent for the club.

The striker did not feature in his final six months in West London after the Italian coach publicly claiming that Costa had no future at the club, preceding his return to Atletico Madrid the following January.

Reports in South America earlier this month claimed the Gunners held initial talks over a transfer for Costa as manager Mikel Arteta searches for much-needed reinforcements in attack.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been ostracised at the North London club with both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah out of contract in the summer.

However, it appears that Costa is one transfer target that is not likely to move to the Emirates.

Struggling Serie A club Salernitana are confident of concluding a deal for Costa as a free agent this week.

Walter Sabatini told TuttoSalernitana.com, as per Football Italia : "Diego Costa is a matter still in movement, a miracle could happen, but so far it has not happened."

Salernitana are currently at the foot of the Serie A standings with just 10 points from their opening 22 league games - eight points from safety.

Costa netted a total of 83 goals across two spells for Los Rojiblancos, most famously firing 36 goals in the 2013-14 season - spearheading the club to the league title and to the Champions League final.

The striker then spent three seasons at Chelsea - where he netted 59 goals across three full seasons, and led the Blues to the Premier League titles in 2015 and 2017.

He then returned to be reunited with boss Diego Simeone at Atleti, but he was unable to rekindle the form of his first spell at the club and struggled to hold down a regular starting spot.