Emirates Stadium side set to snap up hugely talented attacking midfielder.
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Arsenal are closing in on a surprise move to sign unhappy Shakhtar Donestk playmaker Douglas Costa.
The Brazilian international is one of a host of players who are unwilling to return to the Ukrainian side due to the political unrest in the region and Arsene Wenger is seemingly close to seeing a bid accepted by Shakhtar.
CaughtOffside understands that the Donbass Arena side are ready to accept the Gunners £19.7m (€25m) bid for the 23 year old having initially turned down his request to leave.
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The former Gremio star is thought to have held lengthy talks with his employers who are now ready to consider offers for his services after five seasons with the club, during which time Douglas has won five domestic titles.
Arsenal’s opening offer of £15.8m (€20m) had reportedly been turned down but served to encourage Douglas Costa to reaffirm his stance and in turn lead Shakhtar to consider big money bids for their prized asset.
Should Arsenal succeed in bringing in Costa then there is ever chance that Arsene Wenger will allow Santi Cazorla to pursue a move back to his native Spain, with the attacking midfielder said to be homesick.
German attacker Lukas Podolski is also thought to be set to leave Arsenal having accidentally revealed an imminent move to La Liga side Sevilla via his Twitter account.
Arsenal have already secured deals to sign Alexis Sanchez and Mathieu Debuchy from Barcelona and Newcastle United respectively, with Colombian keeper David Ospina likely to be unveiled by the Premier League side on Monday.
Costa is still to win a senior Brazilian national team cap and may feel a high profile move to the Premier League could aid his efforts for international recognition, with new boss Dunga sure to be looking at possible new talents to rejuvenate his Selecao side.
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