Arsenal have been tipped to make a move for former Chelsea forward Diego Costa in recent days.

The Spanish international is currently a free agent having left Gremio when his contract expired at the start of January.

Costa hasn’t actually played a game of football since December 8th when he started the 3-0 defeat to Corinthians but rumours have been circling that he could be a solution for the Gunners’ problems up front.

However, Brazilian website RTI Esporte have now firmly put the speculation to bed, having spoken to two sources “close to” the player.

Costa has no intention of returning to Europe

It is believed that the forward has not had any contact with the Gunners about making the switch to the Emirates.

While Costa did have discussions regarding a potential move back to Europe, RTI Esporte claim that the possibility has been completely “ruled out”, along with any transfer to the Middle East.

The 36-year-old is expected to remain in South America, with reports linking him with sides in Chile, Uruguay and Colombia, although his salary demands are said to be making the search for a new club difficult.

Could Arsenal sign another free agent?

There have been suggestions that Mikel Arteta’s side could snap up former Liverpool player Roberto Firmino if his current team Al-Ahli agree to terminate his contract.

The striker has not been registered to play in Saudi Pro League games due to limits on foreign players, so he can only be used in the Asian Champions League.

It has prompted talk that he would be open to joining the Gunners if he does become a free agent. However, due to FIFA rules, it has been claimed that he may only be allowed to join teams where the transfer window is currently open, which would rule out Premier League clubs.

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