Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that he was keen to sign Chelsea striker Diego Costa this summer, but the boss missed out after the Stamford Bridge club agreed a deal earlier in the window, as reported by the Daily Star.

The striker has scored a stunning eight goals in eight games for the west London club, and has settled immediately into life in the top flight of English football.

The Blues bought him for only £32 million, a small sum given the inflated transfer fees paid by sides these days, matching his release clause.

With Wenger’s Gunners set to clash with Costa and Chelsea on Sunday, the French manager has admitted that he was interested in signing Costa.

However, he revealed that Jose Mourinho struck first, agreeing an early deal.

When asked by the press whether he was interested in signing the Spain international, Wenger said: “Yes, but that was a deal that was struck early.”

Arsenal face old boy Cesc Fabregas in Sunday’s clash.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that he has been exceptionally impressed with Chelsea’s summer acquisition Diego Costa, with the Blues striker having scored eight goals in eight games for the Stamford Bridge club, as reported by the Daily Express.

Costa moved to west London this summer for £32 million, having impressed considerably in his last season with Atletico Madrid, where he played a key role in firing them to the La Liga crown and a Champions League final.

He has also settled into life in the Premier League exceptionally, and has played a key role as Chelsea have stormed to the top of the still young league table.

READ: CHELSEA VS. ARSENAL PREVIEW – WILL FABREGAS HURT HIS FORMER CLUB?

Wenger has been impressed himself, and knowing that his side have to face the Spain international on Sunday, has described him as “killer”.

The Arsenal boss said: “He has done fantastically well, I must say. I am impressed by how well he has done.

“He has all the aspects of a striker that you like. He’s focused, always determined, ready for a fight and I’m impressed.

“He has also got players who can feed him like Fabregas and Eden Hazard, who can find him with final balls. He’s a very efficient player.

The timing of his runs and his determination, his killing determination – you feel he’s a killer. He has that in him.”

Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge this weekend, and are set to face their former charge Cesc Fabregas, who has been equally impressive since moving to the Blues.