Chelsea are reportedly lining up a €70 million offer to secure the services of in-demand FC Porto and Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
According to Fichajes, Chelsea have stepped up their efforts to sign a new goalkeeper to replace Edouard Mendy. The Bues are prepared to shell out an irresistible €70 million bid for Porto shot-stopper Diogo Costa, who is currently starring for Portugal at the World Cup.
Despite having already spent well over €250 million in the summer, more arrivals are likely at Stamford Bridge in January as Potter reshapes the squad to his liking. Chelsea have reportedly won the battle to land star attacker Christopher Nkunku and remain interested in his RB Leipzig teammate Josko Gvardiol. Meanwhile, links with Rafael Leao persist as well.
And, as per Fichajes, Chelsea on the lookout for a fresh face in between the sticks as well, with the futures of both Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga in question.
Mendy has reportedly refused to sign a new contract extension in west London, despite not performing at his peak level this season, struggling with form and fitness, and making some high-profile blunders earlier in the season. As a result, the Blues are now ready to listen to offers for the 30-year-old Senegalese international.
Meanwhile, Kepa’s troubles are well-documented, having been labelled a huge flop after his record transfer from Athletic Club. But he has been a man reborn this season, putting on a string of stellar displays in goal for Chelsea. However, the report states that neither goalkeeper has done enough to convince Potter that they are the best long-term option for the number one role.
This has seen Chelsea get linked with a host of goalkeeper options, including Brighton & Hove Albion’s Robert Sanchez, Everton’s Jordan Pickford, and FC Porto’s Diogo Costa. But it looks like Todd Boehly and co. are ready to push ahead with a formal offer for the Portuguese international.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign with Porto last season, where he made 43 appearances. And he is now regarded as an undisputed starter between the sticks for club and country. Costa’s excellent form in goal has also caught the eye of a number of top clubs across the continent.
He recently put pen to paper on a new deal at Porto that upped his buy-out clause from €60 million to €75 million. But there are still clubs circling around him. Manchester United are believed to be interested in him, owing to their uncertainty around the future of current No. 1 David de Gea.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have already made “first contacts” with the Portuguese outfit about Costa ahead of a potential transfer next summer. Potter wants a goalkeeper who is more comfortable with the ball at his feet to build up play from the back, as he did with his Brighton side. And Chelsea are prepared to offer €70 million for the Portuguese international.
Costa could be an ideal option for the Blues to bolster their goalkeeping department next season. Standing at 6ft 4in, he commands an imposing presence and also has exceptional ball-playing skills, which are essential for modern goalkeepers. Furthermore, he is renowned for his penalty-saving ability.