In a recent report, A Bola claimed that Chelsea are preparing to move in for FC Porto custodian Diogo Costa. It has been stated that the Blues have identified the Portuguese keeper as a target for this ongoing transfer window.
Costa’s Good Run Of Form In Portuguese Football Last Season
Costa enjoyed a solid campaign at the Portuguese club as he put in several impressive displays for them over the past ten months. The 23-year-old conceded 30 goals and earned 20 clean sheets in 41 matches for FC Porto last season across multiple competitions.
The Portuguese keeper performed well by averaging 0.8 clearances and 7.3 clearances per 90 minutes in Liga Portugal. He has even been careful when distributing possession from the back, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 76.7% in the Portuguese top-flight (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at Porto will expire in the summer of 2027. Hence, Chelsea will have to pay a hefty fee if they want to bring Costa to Stamford Bridge ahead of the new campaign.
Is Costa A Good Option For Chelsea?
Costa has got decent reflexes that help him pull off a few solid saves at the back. He is a good handler of the ball as well and doesn’t mind coming out of his penalty box to clear the danger when needed. The Portuguese talent is a tidy passer of the ball as well but is yet to prove his worth outside his homeland.
Costa is good enough to enhance the overall quality of Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino’s squad. He would serve as an upgrade over Cesar Azpilicueta and Edouard Mendy at Stamford Bridge next season.
At 23, Costa has got a very promising future ahead of him. Therefore, he would be an excellent option for the Blues to consider in this off-season. However, there are some concerns over whether he can adapt to the physical side and high intensity of the Premier League if Pochettino successfully manages to lure him to the English capital before the start of the new campaign.
Still, the pros outweigh the cons of recruiting Costa as he has what it takes to become a regular starter at the West London club over the next few years.
