Chelsea's number one target: Diogo Costa

The awaited development regarding a goalkeeper signing has arrived at Chelsea. As relayed by Ekrem Konur, the London club has made Porto's goalkeeper captain Diogo Costa their number one target of the summer transfer window, placing the Portuguese shot-stopper at the centre of their plans to reshape the goalkeeping department. The club is reported to be ahead of PSG in this race.

According to reports, no formal bid has been submitted yet; however, Chelsea officials are said to be preparing to take concrete steps to secure the player's signature. The internal consensus at the club is reported to be that a world-class goalkeeper is essential for a return to the top of the Premier League.

On Porto's side, the picture is very clear. Absolutely unwilling to lose their 26-year-old captain, whom they view as a key pillar of their project, the Portuguese club is pointing interested parties directly to his €60 million release clause and demanding that the full amount be paid upfront. Costa, whose contract runs until 2030, also served as Portugal's number one at the World Cup.

Behind Chelsea's goalkeeper search lie uncertainties in the current squad. Robert Sánchez's criticized performances and Filip Jörgensen's request to leave the club have strengthened the view that investment in this area is inevitable in the new era under manager Xabi Alonso. Porto's firm stance on the release clause, Chelsea's financial power and PSG's potential counter-move will determine the course of this transfer; Diogo Costa's future will be watched as one of the most critical goalkeeper moves of the summer window.

Source: Ekrem Konur
Image: Goal