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Glen Johnson: West Ham should sign Diego Costa

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Former West Ham player Glen Johnson has urged the Hammers to sign former Chelsea striker Diego Costa, calling him a “fantastic player”.

Costa was linked with a move to Everton earlier this month but talking on talkSPORT (Thursday, 10am), Jim White said that move was not going to happen.

Given that he’s likely to leave Atletic Madrid after a strained relationship following an eight-game ban last season for insulting a referee, White asked guest Glen Johnson where Costa should go.

“For me he’s a fantastic player,” said Johnson. “He’s one of those players you’d love to have on your side and hate to play against.

“I could see it happening at West Ham. The club has shown over the years if they want someone they’ll go and get him and they could pay the wages he’d demand.

“I reckon he’d thrive being a big fish in a smaller pond. I’d love to see him back and I’d love to see him play for West Ham. I’d rather Diego in my team than Arnie all day long.”

VERDICT

One bad boy for another? Signing Costa would be a risk for a club who have suffered with strikers after the injury-prone Andy Caroll and the wantaway Marko Arnautvoic. Costa comes with his own baggage and an aggressive streak that’s seen him get into trouble on a number of occasions in his career. However, he knows how to score. He got 52 in 89 Premier League games and 66 with 34 assists in 175 games in La Liga. Through his career he’s delivered 0.44 goals per 90 minutes [wyscout.com] and plays an aggressive old-fashioned number nine role that would suit West Ham. Another factor against him is his age. At 30 his very best years are probably behind him but he would have a point to prove in the Premier League and, like Johnson said, West Ham could probably afford his fee and wages. We think he’d be a hit with the fans but the owners would probably prefer a younger, safer, less controversial option. 

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