After watching from afar as Chelsea spent money on disappointing arrivals year after year, Xabi Alonso has arrived to take the reins in the technical area and play a key role in the transfer market.
The Spaniard has already welcomed Marco Palestra and is now set to sign a major upgrade for Robert Sanchez ahead of next season.
The Blue, managed by Alonso, may finally get long-term goalie Diogo Costa as a result.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
Chelsea’s No.1 position has been crying out for some consistency and it’s unlikely to come from Sanchez. Although the goalkeeper improved a lot last season, he is not yet at that high level to challenge for top honors and that is what Alonso needs. That’s why Costa is firmly back on Chelsea’s radar. |
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Finance |
There is already a problem with Costa’s rating. Chelsea are reportedly willing to pay around €40m (£34m), but Porto are already targeting the goalkeeper’s €60m (£51m) release clause. As the Blues prepare for their first offering, they must find a middle ground. |
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Understanding |
The Portuguese star has been in the top flight for many years and could be on the move after a good World Cup campaign. At 26 years old, he is at the peak of his powers and would be an undeniable improvement on Sanchez, as he kept 80 percent of his saves last season. |
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Impact |
If Costa arrives, then it will be interesting to see the future of Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen. There will be no room for three goalkeepers looking for minutes at Stamford Bridge and that is likely to end in at least one departure. |
Costa has once again been one to watch this summer, as he could replace Porto in a big-money move they have been waiting for for years.
Chelsea are preparing to offer Diogo Costa
According to Portugal’s Correio da Manhã, as reported by Sport Witness, Chelsea are now studying an offer to sign Costa from Porto this summer, with Alonso driving the move.
The Blues are reported to value the goalkeeper at €40m (£34m), but Porto have already targeted the goalkeeper’s release clause of €60m (£51m) – creating an immediate gap in the reckoning.
With Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain also interested, the West London club are looking to leapfrog their European rivals and may have to spend big if they want to do a quick deal.
£51m Costa will end Sanchez’s Chelsea career
Chelsea rarely get things right in the transfer market under the BlueCo, but Costa will be a rarity. The Porto man is one of the most reliable goalkeepers in Europe and would be a quick step up for Sanchez, possibly ending the Spaniard’s career at Stamford Bridge.
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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 the percentage |
67.6% |
80% |
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Pass accuracy |
66.7% |
76.9% |
Costa conceded just 15 league goals for Porto last season and kept 80% of them. He is one of the best goalkeepers in Europe and should be high on Chelsea’s wish list this summer.
