Could Arsenal be close to a £19.7m deal?

Arsenal have already made one impressive attacking addition to their squad this summer. Alexis Sanchez, the former Barcelona winger looks like a great addition who’s sure to make a mark at the Emirates over the coming months. He’s quick, he’s technically gifted and he scores goals. What more could you ask for?

How about more of the same? Whilst Arsene Wenger seems to have stopped chasing after forwards, bringing another option in couldn’t help. It’s the area of their squad where they were most lacking last season, after all.

This brings me to The Gunners interest in Shakhtar Donetsk’s superstar forward, Douglas Costa. The fleet-footed Brazilian is a crafty individual, with the wit, skill and verve necessary to crack the Premier League. He’s the kind of player who can make stuff happen in the final third, even when things get congested. For Arsenal, he could prove to be invaluable.

The political situation in the Ukraine (where he plays his club football) has left Costa somewhat unhappy. According to The Mirror, he’s one of a ‘host of players’ who are ‘unwilling’ to return back to their clubs sides because of the unrest in the region. His club won’t be unhappy, but if he feels unsafe then you can hardly blame him.

Given the circumstances, his club may be willing to negotiate should The Gunners come in with a reasonable bid. Indeed, The Mirror claims that Shakhtar are ‘reportedly ready to accept Arsenal’s’ £19.7m bid. Could a deal be close?

Arsenal fans will certainly hope so. Their team tends to trade in technically gifted, pacey forwards and Douglas Costa ticks all those boxes. He’d increase competition across The Gunners’ forward line  and add goals to their attack. With both Sanchez and Costa running at defenders, Arsenal should carry plenty of threat next season.

What’s your take? Should The Gunners really be interested in this Shakhtar Donetsk ace? Are there other options out there that they should consider?

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