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Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea 'receive transfer boost' as Premier League trio 'scout' £63m Portugal international

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 13 June 2024

Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea 'handed major £63m transfer boost'

Premier League trio Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea reportedly receive a major boost in their pursuit of a £63m-rated Portugal international.

Premier League trio Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea have all received a boost in their pursuit of Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, according to a report.

Costa joined Porto at the age of 12 and worked his way through the youth ranks before making his first-team debut in 2019, and he has since developed into a senior star for the Portuguese giants.

The 24-year-old has kept 64 clean sheets in 154 appearances for Porto across all competitions, including 14 shutouts in 33 Primeira Liga outings last season to win the Golden Glove.

Costa has already had plenty of success with Porto, winning a total of eight trophies including two Primeira Liga titles and four Portuguese cups, while he has also been named Primeira Liga Goalkeeper of the Season on two occasions.

The 20-cap Portugal international is the first-choice shot-stopper under Roberto Martinez and is currently preparing to represent his country at Euro 2024 later this month, but in the meantime, speculation over his club future has begun to surface.

Porto's Diogo Costa reacts after the match on March 12, 2024 © Reuters

Porto ready to sell Costa amid Premier League interest?

Costa still has three years remaining on his contract at the Estadio do Dragao, but according to O Jogo, Porto could be forced into selling one of their star players this summer and their number one goalkeeper has been earmarked as a possible candidate to depart.

It has been claimed that an exit for Costa is becoming an 'increasingly real scenario', although Porto would demand a fee close to value of his €75m (£63.4m) release clause.

Premier League champions Man City as well as London duo Arsenal and Chelsea are all said to have sent scouts to monitor Costa ahead of making a potential swoop in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool have also been credited with an interest, while Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are also believed to be keeping tabs on the goalkeeper's situation.

Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa pictured in August 2022 © Reuters

Where could Costa end up this summer?

Arsenal are expected to delve into the transfer market for a new goalkeeper, with Aaron Ramsdale set to depart in search of regular first-team football.

However, it has previously been understood that the Gunners would look to recruit a new number two to provide competition for David Raya, who will soon complete a £27m permanent move to the Emirates Stadium after spending last season on loan from Brentford.

With that in mind, Costa may prefer a possible switch to either Man City or Chelsea, who could both decide to step up their interest in a new shot-stopper amid uncertainty over their current goalkeeping options.

Man City have already confirmed that number two Stefan Ortega has signed a two-year contract extension, but the future of first-choice goalkeeper Ederson remains up in the air amid reports that the Saudi-linked Brazilian is open to seeking pastures new.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have been tipped to sign a replacement for either Robert Sanchez or Djordje Petrovic, with a move for Burnley's James Trafford having been mooted, although new head coach Enzo Maresca may decide to keep faith in his current goalkeeping options.