Chelsea are preparing for a fierce transfer battle as they target Diogo Costa, Porto’s highly-rated goalkeeper, who is being set up as a possible replacement for the under-pressure Robert Sanchez. The Blues’ pursuit of the Portuguese stopper has grown stronger following Sanchez’s bad performances. There are reports that Chelsea needs to beat Manchester United and Manchester City to win Costa’s signature. With a reported release clause of £64 million, this high-risk gamble may become one of the most defining sagas of the summer window.
Sanchez Struggles Spark Goalkeeper Hunt
When Chelsea signed Robert Sanchez from Brighton, there were high hopes that he’d become the club’s long-term No.1. Flash forward a couple of years, and those hopes have well and truly dissipated. Although there were a few promising performances, Sanchez has been haunted by high-profile errors all season, shaking confidence among the fans and encouraging Chelsea’s recruitment department to seek alternatives.
The goalkeeper position is arguably one of the most crucial on the pitch and also the one where instability can be most damaging. Chelsea’s decision makers, keen to solidify the squad ahead of a potential UCL return, now view Sanchez’s replacement as a priority.
Enter Diogo Costa. The 24-year-old has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most consistent and technically sound goalkeepers. From his distribution to shot stopping, Costa has shown traits that top Premier League clubs crave. Chelsea believe he has the temperament and skill to thrive in England, and most importantly, to provide a sense of security between the posts that has been missing since the days of Petr Čech or Thibaut Courtois.
Diogo Costa: Scouted by England’s Elite
Diogo Costa has been in the sights of Europe’s best for more than two years now. His displays for FC Porto and the Portuguese national team have made him one of global football’s most talented young goalkeepers. Unfazed under pressure, comfortable on his feet, and authoritative in the box, Costa checks all the right boxes for a reliable keeper.
Both Manchester United and Manchester City have reportedly joined Chelsea in closely tracking the Portuguese international. United are considering a long-term replacement to André Onana, while Manchester City see Costa as an ideal heir to Ederson, whose workload and age are starting to be considered in long-term planning.
Chelsea’s advantage lies in their urgency. Unlike Manchester City, the Blues need a new No.1 right now, not two seasons down the line. However, urgency alone won’t win this race, it will come down to the right offer and vision of first-team action.
£64m Release Clause and Summer Implications
Porto aren’t in the mood for negotiation. Diogo Costa is under contract until 2027, and the Portuguese giants are holding firm on his £64 million release clause. For Chelsea, that’s a hefty price but not an impossible one, especially with Todd Boehly’s continued commitment to building a title-challenging squad.
This price tag also serves as a deterrent to casual suitors. Manchester City and Manchester United may hesitate to commit such funds unless they offload current players. Chelsea, meanwhile, are reportedly open to recouping funds by selling Sanchez or Kepa Arrizabalaga, who is still out on loan.
Should Chelsea trigger the clause of Diogo Costa and offer a clear path to first-team action, they could very well leapfrog their rivals. That said, any misstep could see him end up at Old Trafford or Etihad instead—a gut-punch for a club desperate to stabilize the backline.
Live Update
As of now, Chelsea have yet to make a formal bid for Diogo Costa, but talks are ongoing internally. Sources suggest the Blues have placed the goalkeeper at the top of their summer wishlist. Both Manchester City and Manchester United remain interested, though no club has activated Costa’s release clause.
For Chelsea, securing Costa could be a transformative signing. It will not only shore up their defense but will also signal intent to climb back into Europe’s elite.
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