Arsenal Transfers: 5 Forwards To Replace Injured Theo Walcott

3. Diego Costa

Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa is a curious case. He shunned the country of his birth and looks set to try and stop the World Cup hosts from wresting the trophy away from the reigning champions. It could quite possibly be the subplot of the summer. Prior to that there is the small matter of whether Costa remains in La Liga. He is naturally interesting Europe's elite after keeping Atletico Madrid level with Barcelona at the top of the table, and simultaneously doing his level best to outscore Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo. Arsenal are reportedly willing to match the rumoured £32 million release clause in Costa's contract at the Vicente Calderon, but Wenger believes he would cost much more. You can increase that figure almost fivefold to £145 million - or so he told the Metro. Even by football standards that is crazy money. Another marquee signing, be it of the astronomical magnitude or less, would certainly be a statement of intent both at home and abroad. Costa is part of something that looks pretty special at Atletico. Supplied by the playmaking of Koke and deliveries from Cristian Rodriguez, Ardan Turan and others out wide, Diego Simeone has assembled a formidable squad. Leaving that behind for the Gunners would be more in hope that expectation.