Chelsea set for £51m mistake as Stamford Bridge insiders share stance on ‘best in the world’ target
Xabi Alonso and Chelsea have worked wonders in the market. Going into the summer, priorities included a left-back, a centre-back, and experience. All three areas have been sorted.
Pep Chavarria is incoming, Maxence Lacroix is onboard and both Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck have been drafted in to provide leadership, Premier League know-how, and to be managers on the pitch.
Thoughts after another pre-season defeat under Xabi Alonso?🤔
But there is one element of the squad that remains untouched, despite many supporters believing it was a priority going into the summer market. Chelsea have not signed a new goalkeeper, as things stand.
Robert Sanchez was Chelsea’s no.1 last season, but the pressure got to him. His confidence was at rock bottom; it led to mistake after mistake. Liam Rosenior dropped him for Strasbourg-bound Filip Jorgensen.
Chelsea insiders share decision on Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa
At the start of the summer window, a six-man shortlist was leaked. Diogo Costa’s name was on it, along with Jordan Pickford and others. Shay Given has said this week that Chelsea should sign Pickford.
The goalkeeping position remains an issue. Reports from Portugal this week claimed Chelsea were in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Costa, who has a £51m release clause in his deal. Costa even left the door ajar.
But according to The Mail’s Kieran Gill, Chelsea insiders have made it clear that Costa is not on the agenda this summer. The Blues are happy with their current options in Sanchez and Mike Penders.
Gill reported on X: “Chelsea insiders insist they have not made enquiries for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, and are happy heading towards the new season with Robert Sanchez & Mike Penders.”
Diogo Costa was ‘the best in the world’ four years ago
Still only 26, Costa is vastly experienced. He is just two games away from completing 250 appearances for Porto, and two caps shy of playing 50 times for Portugal. Costa has a contract until the summer of 2030.
Who would you prefer to see in goal next season, Diogo Costa or Robert Sanchez?
Chelsea are being linked with the Porto keeper!
At 22, Porto legend Vitor Baia described Costa as “the best in the world”. Since then, if anything, Costa has got better. More experienced, a leader – elements that Chelsea have been trying to add this summer.
Chelsea need a goalkeeper. They need to eradicate Sanchez’s errors, and they cannot trust the lack of experience with Penders. Not signing Costa, an ideal candidate, is a mistake Chelsea cannot afford.
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