Chelsea have reportedly identified another potential alternative to goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Since being signed from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2023, the Spain international has gone on to make 50 appearances in all competitions.
More than half of those outings have come since Enzo Maresca's arrival, the Italian viewing Sanchez as his first-choice-stopper, yet his future between the sticks remains uncertain.
With Sanchez making a number of mistakes that have directly led to goals, a large section of the club's fanbase have grown frustrated by the persistence in selecting the 27-year-old.
While it is unclear how much patience Maresca will have with Sanchez, it appears that Chelsea's hierarchy may be scouring the market for replacements.
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Chelsea ready to move for Costa?
According to TEAMtalk, the West Londoners hold an interest in signing Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
For a number of seasons, the 25-year-old has been regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, going on to make 195 appearances for Porto.
Notably during this campaign, a total of 18 clean sheets have been kept from 40 outings in all competitions, solidifying his reputation as Portugal's number one.
Nevertheless, with just over two years remaining on his contract, it is plausible to anticipate that Costa may soon wish to take on a new challenge at one of European football's powerhouses.
Costa is said to possess a release clause in the region of £64.5m in his contract, although it is unclear whether Porto would hold out for that figure if interest emerged in his signature.
Manchester City, Manchester City and Bayern Munich are all said to be admirers of the 34-cap international.
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Would Chelsea pay big money for a new goalkeeper?
Chelsea are not short of goalkeepers in their ranks with Filip Jorgensen, Djordje Petrovic and Mike Penders all viewed as stoppers who could feature in the first-team squad next season.
Many Chelsea supporters would like to see Petrovic rewarded for his form on loan at Strasbourg with a return to the number-one position at Stamford Bridge.
With Kepa Arrizabalaga to be sold, funds will be able to be added to Maresca's transfer budget, yet it is farfetched to expect Chelsea to shell out in excess of £60m on a goalkeeper when they face an ongoing battle to comply with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
When issues with UEFA's equivalent may also be on the horizon, Porto would have to drop their asking price for Chelsea to follow up their admiration of Costa.
Darren Plant
