William Gallas believes signing former Chelsea striker Diego Costa as a free agent would initially ‘lift’ the Arsenal squad.
However, Gallas – who played for both clubs – says passionate and fiery Costa would end up ‘clashing’ with Mikel Arteta.
Speaking after Kai Havertz’s serious injury setback, Arteta hinted the club would explore the possibility of signing a free agent to ease their mounting injury crisis.
Arteta’s attacking options already looked thin but Havertz’s injury – which he picked up during a warm weather training camp in Dubai – has left Arsenal with just three recognised forwards.
With the transfer window closed, Arsenal cannot make any permanent or loan signings unless they pick up a free agent.
Asked if Arsenal were considering taking emergency action last week, Arteta said: ‘We explore every possible situation and make a decision from there.
‘It has to be an ability that can play in our level and a body is someone we can recognise and somebody who can support and impact the team.’
Costa has been without a club since being released by Brazilian side Gremio last year and Gallas can see why Arsenal might be tempted to approach the 36-year-old.
For a three-year period, Costa was one of the best strikers in the Premier League, scoring 52 goals in 89 league games for Chelsea and helping the Blues win multiple trophies.
Either side of his spell in west London, ex-Spain international Costa scored over 100 goals for Atletico Madrid, lifting two La Liga titles and reaching the Champions League final.
Despite Costa’s pedigree, Gallas believes a move to Arsenal would end badly for all parties, especially Gunners boss Arteta.
‘Diego Costa is a free agent and he is a big character, that can be good for your squad when you need the mood to be lifted,’ he told Slingo.
‘However, I could see him clashing with Mikel Arteta. He won’t fit in with the mood at the club and I think it would go the wrong way. Even though they need a striker.
‘Chelsea fans would also be gutted, I actually think he would turn down the move because of his history there and how the fans would react.
‘He is a big character and that can help some teams, but not with his history. He is of a different generation and I think it would be hard for him to fit in.’
Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard started as a false nine against Leicester City last weekend before Mikel Merino was shoved up top in a somewhat desperate move.
The tactical switch worked wonders, however, with Merino scoring twice to clinch a 2-0 win and ensure Arsenal kept the pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Raheem Sterling is another striker option but he has struggled to make an impact since joining Arsenal on loan from Chelsea last summer.
Gary Neville, the former Manchester United and England defender, thought Arteta might even turn to central midfielder Declan Rice to solve his problems up front.
‘They’re going to have to come up with something. I’ve got very little sympathy for Arsenal,’ Neville told Sky Sports.
‘They knew at the start of the season that they were short at centre-forward. They knew if Havertz got injured that they didn’t have the quality up top.
‘They’ve also had two title races so they know what it’s like. This is not an inexperienced team anymore, it’s not an inexperienced manager.
‘Did you know that this could have happened before the start of the season? Yeah. Could it have been foreseen? Yes it could.
This could have always happened and it has happened.
‘I thought it might be Declan Rice coming from behind from midfield and Jorginho and Partey might be deeper, or even Merino and Partey deeper. But it’s ended up that Merino has gone forward and been the threat in the box.
‘Sometimes good can come out from what seems to be bad and you can develop something together.’
Arteta only has a couple more days to settle on his system and striker choice as Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday against West Ham.
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