Flamengo identify Diego Costa as ideal Gabigol replacement | OneFootball

The Flamengo board are reportedly more convinced by the day that they will not be able to afford to bring back Gabigol after a spectacular season which has seen him lead Mengão to the Carioca, Brasileirão, and Copa Libertadores titles.

After scoring 40 goals in 54 games in all competitions, Inter Milan believe they’ll be able to command a fee around the €30m they paid Santos for the striker back in 2016.

In addition, Gabigol would command a salary of around €3.5m per year (around €67,500-a-week), an incredible amount for the Brasileirão.

Now, according to Goal, former Atlético Madrid team-mate Filipe Luís is attempting to facilitate a move to bring Diego Costa to Rio.

Costa has not played in Brazil since his youth days at Barcelona-RJ back in 2006 and famously snubbed Brazil for Spain after appearing for the Seleção in a pair of friendlies.

Two months ago, Filipe Luís endorsed his long-time friend and team-mate and told 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.”

In 15 appearances this season, Costa has netted twice and assisted on three other occasions.