Chelsea had scouts in attendance as Diogo Costa produced another outstanding World Cup performance. Portuguese reports suggest the Porto captain’s long-anticipated summer move could now be edging closer.
The Blues were among the clubs watching Portugal’s victory over Croatia, as told by Record. Diogo Costa once again proved decisive in that match.
Having already earned Player of the Match honours against Colombia after preventing defeat almost single-handedly, the goalkeeper delivered another commanding display as Roberto Martínez’s side reached the quarter-finals.
The Portuguese newspaper emphasises those performances are only increasing the interest around the 26-year-old. Also, they say Diogo Costa arrived at the World Cup as one of the most sought-after goalkeepers on the market. What he has shown during the tournament could increase that demand even further.
It goes a step further by suggesting a transfer “may be closer than ever”.
Chelsea continue to monitor as value rises
Chelsea have regularly been linked with elite goalkeepers, and Portuguese coverage continues to place the Stamford Bridge club among the leading contenders for Diogo Costa’s signature.
Record said Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are following the goalkeeper closely. His World Cup displays only strengthen his appeal. His performances for Portugal have quite literally taken them to another level.
After producing what Portuguese newspapers described as a match-saving display against Colombia, he followed it with another superb performance against Croatia, reinforcing his status as one of the standout goalkeepers at the tournament.
Porto still waiting, but preparing
Despite the growing speculation, A Bola report there has still been no formal approach or official offer submitted to Porto.
So interest may be increasing, but negotiations have yet to begin. Even so, the Portuguese media continue to devote increasing attention to what happens if Diogo Costa does leave.
A Bola add that Porto have already identified several potential replacements. This would happen should they be forced into the market this summer. Even though the club publicly maintain they are not planning to lose their captain, these preparations are underway.
His release clause was reduced to €60m (£51m) when he signed a new contract earlier this year. Portuguese reports have consistently indicated Porto are unlikely to negotiate below that level.
But now it feels like it’s all taking shape. With Chelsea scouts having watched him excel against Croatia and Portuguese newspapers arguing the transfer could be “closer than ever”, the focus has shifted towards when a move might happen, how much it would cost and who could replace him if it does.