Diego Costa has escalated speculation linking him with a free transfer to Arsenal by terminating his contract with Atletico Mineiro.
The striker, 33, enjoyed a brief but successful five-month stint with the Belo Horizonte club, winning the Brasileiro (top flight) and the Copa do Brasil.
Costa signed a contract until December 2022 when he joined in August last year following the mutual termination of his deal at Atletico Madrid.
However, the Spain international may be on the way back to the Premier League four-and-a-half years on from his bitter Chelsea exit.
Reports in South America last week claimed the Gunners held initial talks over a transfer for Costa as manager Mikel Arteta searches for much-needed reinforcements in attack.
Atletico Mineiro director of football Rodrigo Caetano is believed to have stated the Brazil-born player would like to leave.
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This has been proved correct as Costa announced he had terminated his contract with the club with an emotional goodbye message posted on social media on Monday.
"Today, officially, I say goodbye to Atletico," he wrote on Instagram. "I would like to thank all Massa Atleticana for all the support and affection I received from the first to the last day.
"Thank you so much for being part of my childhood dream of playing in Brazilian football and winning titles.
"I would also like to express my gratitude to the entire technical staff, medical department, employees and especially to my teammates who helped me daily, always doing everything to make me feel comfortable.
"The feeling that remains is gratitude to all of you Athleticans. Thank you and I wish you all the success in the world!!!"
Costa would provide Arsenal with an experienced option in an otherwise youthful attack which may soon find itself depleted by numerous exits.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is expected to leave after he was stripped of the captaincy following a disciplinary breach, and Barcelona are believed to be interested in the 32-year-old.
Alexandre Lacazette has often worn the armband in recent weeks but the Frenchman, 30, is out of contract this summer and does not appear likely to extend his stay.
Eddie Nketiah also has less than six months remaining on his deal, so Arsenal may find themselves in dire need of a new striker before long.
Costa has a fine record in the Premier League and scored 52 goals in 89 top-flight appearances to fire the Blues to two titles.
But the Gunners will face competition for his signature as Brazilian giants Corinthians and Sao Paolo as well as Spanish side Cadiz are also monitoring the situation.
