Chelsea have recently sent their second-string goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, to join Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. As a result, they have now joined Manchester United in their pursuit of signing Porto shot-stopper Diogo Costa this summer.
Costa, who is currently on vacation, is eagerly waiting for a decision regarding his future, as the Premier League clubs continue to make persistent efforts to lure him away from Estadio do Dragao.
According to A Bola, while Man United had been the frontrunners in the race to sign Costa, Chelsea have now taken the lead. Chelsea are ready to match Costa’s hefty €75 million release clause.
Chelsea’s new manager, Mauricio Pochettino, is determined to secure a dependable goalkeeper for the upcoming 2023/24 season, as he seeks a replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga in the goalkeeping position.
Despite a partial resurgence towards the end of the previous season, Arrizabalaga’s past errors continue to loom over his career at Stamford Bridge, posing a threat to his future at the club.
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Pochettino has identified Costa as an ideal successor for the goalkeeper position. Despite Chelsea’s reputation for significant spending under new management, they will still attempt to negotiate a lower price for the Portuguese goalkeeper.
Super-agent Jorge Mendes has reportedly obtained permission to facilitate Costa’s transfer to Chelsea. Mendes, who has already brought several clients to the Premier League, notably to Wolverhampton Wanderers, will now be involved in brokering Costa’s move to London.
In a change of approach, Mendes will attempt to arrange a deal with another club for Costa, as Chelsea aims to leverage Mendes’ strong connections with Porto and the player to secure the transfer.
Costa reportedly feels content in his home country and wouldn’t mind staying in the Primeira Liga for another year. His long-term contract provides Porto manager Sergio Conceicao with confidence that this scenario could unfold.
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Porto have no incentive to change their stance, as Costa’s contract extends until 2027. The pressure is therefore on Chelsea to put together an enticing offer that convinces last season’s Primeira Liga runners-up to agree to the transfer.
