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Chelsea are not expected to make a move for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, according to The Athletic reporter Simon Johnson
Writing in the Transfer DealSheet column, the journalist said that claims that the 26-year-old is a concrete target have been “downplayed”.
Reports in the Portuguese press had suggested that the Blues were seriously considering triggering Costa’s release clause.
It was officially confirmed when the keeper signed a new contract with Porto back in December that his buyout fee is €60m (£51.4m).
Costa impressed at the World Cup
The Portuguese international received plaudits whilst playing for his country earlier this summer, earning the Player of the Match award following a 0-0 draw against Colombia in the group stages.
As well as earning praise for his shot-stopping, Costa is known to be strong with the ball at his feet, and that has not gone unnoticed by top clubs.
Yet, it seems that the shot-stopper won’t be leaving Porto for Stamford Bridge if Johnson’s information is accurate.
What has Alonso had to say on Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation?
When asked recently who would start the new season as first-choice, manager Xabi Alonso didn’t give a definitive answer, but he did mention one keeper:
“I really like healthy competition in every position. We are expecting Mike [Penders] to come on Monday [today] and join the team. For sure, everything takes time, but it’s good that everyone has to fight for the position and no one to take anything for granted.”
From the sound of things, Penders does have a good chance of displacing Robert Sanchez as no. 1, but we shall have to wait and see how things unfold.
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