Chelsea are monitoring Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa as they consider moving for the £51million-rated shotstopper. Xabi Alonso has just been appointed at Stamford Bridge and needs to bolster a squad that ultimately finished 10th last season. He has a number of areas he wants to strengthen and Costa has been identified as a target.
Costa's Value and World Cup Impact
The Portugal No 1 will head to the World Cup, where his price could rise further if he excels. Porto value Costa at around €60m (£51m) and will review that figure if he enjoys an impressive tournament this summer, reports Record.
Porto have just claimed the Portuguese title but over the years have parted with their best players for the right fee. Costa is an academy graduate and would massively benefit their balance sheet with Chelsea ready to back their latest manager.
Chelsea's Goalkeeping Issues
Last term Robert Sanchez served as the Blues' No 1, but there had long been criticism of him, especially if Chelsea have ambitions to compete for the Premier League. They did turn to Filip Jorgensen later in the season, but he also made errors, which further flagged the need for the Blues to bring in an elite No 1.
Costa, who also serves as Porto captain, has been seen among Europe's most highly-rated goalkeepers for years. Last term he kept 26 clean sheets in 53 matches, conceding just 13 league goals in 31 appearances.
Manchester United's Failed Pursuit
Manchester United were the first Premier League club to seriously consider going after Costa. They opted to bring in Andre Onana as David de Gea's replacement, but it quickly became clear that the Cameroonian was not up to standard and needed replacing. The Red Devils chose not to invest heavily in another goalkeeper, instead signing Senne Lammens, which has left Costa very much on the market.
Competition from PSG
PSG are likely to be Chelsea's main competition. They signed Lucas Chevalier from Lille last summer, however, he has disappointed and was replaced by Matvey Safonov at the turn of the year. The Russian has retained his place but reports claim he isn't necessarily viewed as the long-term No.1. Les Parisiens claim that the European champions could pursue Costa as their new starter.
Chelsea's decision to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga remains the highest fee ever paid to land a goalkeeper. Back in 2018 they spent £71.6m to sign the Spaniard from Athletic Bilbao.
