Arsene Wenger is a fan of Diego Costa and has warned his defence they must be “cold-blooded” to deal with the Chelsea striker – who he says could do without the added theatrics which accompany his game.

Costa has proved a thorn in the side of Arsenal’s defence in recent times, including scoring the winner in the meeting between the two teams at the Emirates Stadium last season.

The London clubs renew their rivalry on Saturday with Arsenal looking for a first Premier League win over the Blues since October 2011.

Costa will lead the line for Chelsea having been involved in two flashpoints when the clubs met last year – firstly when Gabriel was sent off at Stamford Bridge after tangling with the Spain forward and then Per Mertesacker saw red for hauling him down in the game at the Emirates.

While Wenger admits he is an admirer of Costa, he feels he can be just as good if he removes the fiery aspect of his character.

“I like him as a player. I like the qualities of the player but all the rest around is not needed,” the Arsenal boss said.

“He is a fighter and you respect that. The rest is down to the referees to get the game and the rules respected.

“He’s a very strong player. He looks since the start of the season to have cleaned up his act, that he behaves more focused on the game. And that makes him more dangerous.”