Atletico Madrid fear losing star striker Diego Costa next month. The Daily Star says manager Diego Simeone is aware huge interest is mounting in Costa and is already making contingency plans.

Costa, 25, is one of the hottest properties in Europe and his 21 goals during the current campaign has been a major factor behind Atletico's title challenge.

Arsenal have been running the rule over the Brazilian ace, who was subject of an unsuccessful £20m bid from Liverpool in the summer.

Chelsea are also interested in bringing Costa to the Premier League and have made tentative inquiries over activating his £32m buy-out clause.