Chelsea Join Transfer Battle for £63m Porto Star as Goalkeeper Search Intensifies | OneFootball

Chelsea Step Up Goalkeeper Search with Interest in Porto’s Costa

Chelsea’s recruitment team are already mapping out their summer transfer plans, and one area of clear focus is between the sticks. As TEAMtalk reports, the London club have rekindled their interest in FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Bayern Munich also firmly in the frame.

Costa, 25, has emerged as one of Europe’s most reliable shot-stoppers, blending quick reflexes with command in the box. “The London club have decided to compete with Premier League rivals Man United and Man City for Costa, who was described as a ‘very complete goalkeeper’ by goalkeeping coach Pedro Pereira in The Athletic in July 2023.”

Sources have told TEAMtalk that Chelsea are watching the Portugal international “carefully.” With current number one Robert Sánchez having endured a season punctuated by high-profile errors, the need for a long-term solution has become pressing.

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Competition Fierce as European Giants Circle

Costa’s appeal is clear. Comfortable with the ball at his feet and equally adept at claiming crosses or pulling off one-on-one saves, he has grown into a dependable figure at Porto. His contract, which runs until 2027, includes a €75 million (£64.5m) release clause—but Porto could be open to negotiation.

“The Portuguese club are unlikely to offer a big discount,” TEAMtalk adds, “perhaps only €5/€10m less than the clause.”

Chelsea previously attempted to sign Costa last summer, with interest dating back to May. That move ultimately fell through, and the club opted to bring in Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal. While Jorgensen has offered cover, Chelsea remain unsatisfied with their goalkeeping depth, particularly if they return to the Champions League next season.

Maignan Also Considered as Cheaper Option

While Costa remains high on Chelsea’s wishlist, TEAMtalk also reports that AC Milan’s Mike Maignan is being monitored as a more affordable alternative. The French international is rated around €40 million (£34.4m), and at 29, would bring a wealth of experience.

Yet it’s Costa who appears to be the preferred long-term solution. Manchester City and United have both tracked him, while Bayern Munich are now in the mix. The Bundesliga champions are eyeing Costa as a successor to Manuel Neuer, whose contract expires in 2026.

“Bayern see Porto goalkeeper Costa as a strong candidate to replace Neuer,” TEAMtalk claims—placing Chelsea in a crowded and competitive race.

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Strategic Signing or Splurge?

The interest in Costa raises broader questions about Chelsea’s squad-building philosophy. Do they pursue a marquee signing for a key position at full cost, or opt for more pragmatic solutions?

Costa’s fee could represent a significant outlay in a window where Chelsea also plan to reinforce their forward line and defence. But securing stability at the back could set the tone for a new era under Enzo Maresca, whose vision of a possession-based, progressive side demands a goalkeeper who can play under pressure.

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Chelsea’s pursuit of Diogo Costa makes sense. Robert Sánchez has had his moments, but inconsistency and lapses in key matches have raised doubts. In big games, reliability in goal is paramount—and Costa offers exactly that.

Supporters will remember the solidity of Petr Čech and the presence of Thibaut Courtois. In the years since, no keeper has truly filled that void. Costa, with his youth, command, and Champions League pedigree, has the tools to be the next great Chelsea No.1.

However, fans will also want balance in the club’s spending. If €75 million is needed to secure Costa, then Chelsea must be equally shrewd in strengthening elsewhere. But few would argue against spending big on a position that sets the tone for any title-challenging side.

There’s also growing confidence in the project under Maresca. If the club’s recruitment aligns with his tactical vision, then Costa could become a cornerstone of Chelsea’s new identity—modern, ambitious, and built on a solid foundation.