Chelsea make ‘contact’ for 23-year-old goalkeeper playing at 2022 FIFA World Cup | OneFootball

Transfer News: Chelsea have ‘made contact’ for FC Porto and Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa

Chelsea are believed to have ‘made contact’ for FC Porto and Portugal international goalkeeper Diogo Costa for a possible transfer, according to Spanish outlet Relevo (h/t Express).

The Blues are believed to be looking for a new keeper after Edouard Mendy has been pushed down the pecking order by Kepa Arrizabalaga. While the Spaniard has been fantastic for us this season, there is still doubt if he can be relied upon.

Costa has been brilliant between the sticks this season. The 23-year-old recently became the first keeper to save three penalties in the same Champions League group stage campaign this season.

Diogo Costa has been linked with a move to Chelsea.

The keeper has played in 19 games so far this season in all competitions, keeping nine clean sheets in the process. He also started for his country during their 3-2 win over Ghana in their World Cup opener.

Mendy has seen a dip in his form this season. The Senegal international has been making silly mistakes which have cost the team. When Potter took charge of the club, Mendy was injured and Kepa started in his place.

The 28-year-old was exceptional in between the goal for us and pulled off some breathtaking saves in games. His performance made him our number one, before he was injured and had to be sidelined.

Kepa Arrizabalaga of Chelsea makes a save from Danny Ings of Aston Villa. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Chelsea are not the only club interested in the keeper, with rivals Manchester United also keeping tabs on him. Costa recently signed a new deal with his club and is believed to have a release clause worth £64 million in his contract.

It is not clear which of our current goalkeepers will leave – if any – should Costa arrive. The 23-year-old is likely to be Portugal’s number one in the World Cup and it would make sense for us to keep a close eye on him there.

As for Mendy and Kepa, both are quality goalkeepers with an aim to start regularly rather than waste the best years of their careers away on the bench. It is impossible to imagine Costa in the team with these two on the bench – it just won’t make sense.

If we do sign the Portuguese star, it may come down to who is more okay with being his backup – if Costa is Potter’s chosen starter, that is.