After watching from afar as Chelsea splashed the cash on disappointing arrivals year after year, Xabi Alonso has arrived to take charge from the technical area and play a key role in the transfer market.
The Spaniard has already welcomed Marco Palestra and now has his sights set on signing a key upgrade on Robert Sanchez ahead of next season.
The Blue, with Alonso at the helm, could finally land long-term target Diogo Costa as a result.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Chelsea’s No.1 spot has been crying out for some consistency for some time now and that is unlikely to come from Sanchez. As much as the goalkeeper was much-improved last season, he’s still not at that very top level to challenge for the top honours and that’s what Alonso requires. It’s why Costa is firmly back on Chelsea’s radar. |
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Finances |
There’s already a problem around Costa’s valuation. Chelsea are reportedly willing to pay around €40m (£34m), but Porto are already pointing towards the goalkeeper’s €60m (£51m) release clause. As the Blues ready their first offer, they must find a middle ground. |
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Insight |
The Portuguese star has been on the radar of top clubs for several years and could finally get his move after an impressive World Cup campaign. At 26 years old, he is at the peak of his powers and would be an undeniable upgrade on Sanchez, having maintained a stunning 80% save percentage last season. |
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Impact |
If Costa does arrive, then it will be interesting to keep an eye on the futures of Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen. There won’t be room for three goalkeepers looking for minutes at Stamford Bridge and that’s likely to end in at least one departure. |
Costa is once again one to watch this summer, as he potentially swaps Porto for a big-money move that’s been years in waiting.
Chelsea readying offer to sign Diogo Costa
According to Correio da Manhã in Portugal, as relayed by Sport Witness, Chelsea are now readying an offer to sign Costa from Porto this summer, with Alonso driving the move.
The Blues reportedly value the goalkeeper at €40m (£34m), but Porto are already pointing towards the goalkeeper’s €60m (£51m) release clause – creating an instant gap in valuation.
With Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain also interested, the West London club are looking to leap ahead of their European rivals and may have to spend big if they want to land a rapid-fire deal.
£51m Costa would end Sanchez’s Chelsea career
Chelsea have rarely got things right in the transfer market under BlueCo, but Costa would be a rare standout. The Porto man is one of the most reliable goalkeepers in Europe and would be an instant upgrade on Sanchez, perhaps even ending the Spaniard’s Stamford Bridge career.
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25/26 |
Sanchez |
Costa |
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Games |
35 |
33 |
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Clean sheets |
9 |
19 |
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Saves P90 |
2.9 |
1.86 |
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Save percentage |
67.6% |
80% |
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Pass accuracy |
66.7% |
76.9% |
Costa conceded just 15 league goals at Porto last season and kept a save percentage of 80%. He is one of the best goalkeepers in Europe and should be top of Chelsea’s wishlist this summer.