South American champions Flamengo have identified Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa as a replacement for Gabriel Barbosa.
‘Gabigol’ fired the Rio de Janeiro giants to historic successes in both Brazil and continentally this season – netting twice in the closing minutes of this month’s dramatic Copa Libertadores final over River Plate.
However, his loan deal from Italian giants Inter expires at the end of December and Flamengo have now identified Costa as the man to replace a striker who netted 31 goals in 38 appearances, say Goal.
It is now claimed that Filipe Luis – who joined the Brazilian side on a free transfer from Atleti earlier this year – will act as an intermediary in a planned move for his long-term teammate and friend Costa.
Luis even said to the Copa Libertadores official website: “He is the ideal player for Flamengo, with his style of play. The fans would take to him quickly, and I hope to be here to live this dream with him. It would be very cool.”
The Atleti striker has not played in Brazil for 13 years since his youth career at Barcelona-SP and is in the midst of an injury layoff until February.
The Brazil-born striker has netted just seven La Liga goals in 42 appearances since his return to the club from Chelsea in January 2018 but has started eight league games this campaign.
