Chelsea eyeing move for £51m Portuguese who was previously on Man United’s radar

Chelsea are considering another major investment as Xabi Alonso looks to add greater security and quality between the posts.

Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa has emerged as a leading option, with his €60 million release clause potentially providing the Blues with a clear route to negotiations.

Chelsea need a commanding long-term number one who can handle pressure, contribute during  build-up play and provide consistency behind their reshaped defence.

Their transfer window has already been extremely active, but completing a deal for an established international goalkeeper could be the move that brings the entire rebuild together.

Chelsea interested in signing Porto goalkeeper

According to the Mirror, Chelsea are exploring a move for the Portugal international, who has previously attracted interest from Manchester United.

His Porto contract contains a €60 million release clause, worth approximately £51 million, meaning Chelsea would not necessarily need to enter lengthy negotiations if they are prepared to meet the full figure.

The Blues have already strengthened several areas during a busy window.

Chelsea’s official transfer tracker confirms the arrivals of Maxence Lacroix, Morgan Rogers, Jordan Henderson, Marco Palestra and Geovany Quenda, among others.

However, a recognised first-choice goalkeeper has not yet been added, leaving one important part of Alonso’s squad rebuild unfinished.

A new goalkeeper could complete Chelsea’s squad

Costa would arrive with considerable responsibility, but his experience for Porto and Portugal suggests he is prepared for the pressure of becoming Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper.

His ability to play confidently from the back would also suit Alonso’s preference for building attacks through controlled possession rather than relying on hurried clearances.

Man United’s previous interest could still affect the situation. A renewed approach from Old Trafford would potentially create competition and encourage Porto to insist on receiving the entire release-clause amount.

Chelsea must therefore decide whether to move quickly or risk allowing another Premier League club into the race.

£51 million is expensive for a goalkeeper, particularly after Chelsea’s heavy spending elsewhere.

However, the club have invested enough in defence and attack that leaving uncertainty in goal would feel like an incomplete strategy.

Costa could provide stability for several seasons, making the fee easier to justify than another short-term solution.