Chelsea eye Gonzalo Higuain transfer that would leave Diego Costa's future in doubt

Napoli star a target to replace goal-shy striker who has been one of the biggest disappointments in the champions' dismal season

Bad boy striker Diego Costa is fighting for his Chelsea future.

Costa has been one of Chelsea’s biggest disappointments in their incredible slump this season, scoring just two Premier League goals.

That has alerted Chelsea’s scouts who are desperately trying to find a new striker for January, especially with Radamel Falcao injured and struggling for form.

Jose Mourinho retains the support of the Chelsea hierarchy and Napoli’s Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain is high on his wish list of potential long term targets - but realistically may only be available in the summer.

Higuain, who played in last year's World Cup final, has interested Chelsea in the past and they are keeping tabs as a big-money bid may tempt Napoli to sell the ex-Real Madrid star.

That would raise big doubts over Spain international Costa, who was a sensation in his first season but has struggled to live up to expectations since the summer.

At the moment, Costa has no serious competition because Loic Remy has failed to impress Mourinho while the on-loan Falcao has been a disaster.