Chelsea in pole position to sign Costa

TRANSFERS Chelsea in pole position to sign Costa

Kiplagat Sang 11:45 - 02.07.2023

 Pochettino is keen on a new number and could get his target, as the club is in a good position to land the Portuguese.

Chelsea are leading the race to sign Diogo Costa from Porto.

Mauricio Pochettino is keen on signing a new number one, and the 23-year-old has been identified as a primary priority.

The Blues finished in 12th place last season and will want to improve next campaign. To do so, they need to beef up the squad, and a key area that needs to be strengthened is the goalkeeping department.

Kepa Arrizabalaga was preferred most of the time ahead of Edouard Mendy last season, and the Spaniard did not impress either. Mendy has left the Premier League club, and so there is a gap to be filled.

The Blues were eyeing Onana, but they have cooled their interest with Manchester United now leading the race for the Cameroonian. Onana could cost around €60 million, and Inter Milan are said to be ready to sell the goalkeeper if their valuation is met.

After cooling down on Onana, Chelsea shifted their focus to Costa, who had also been linked with a move to Manchester United.

Pochettino was said to be ready to use Arrizabalaga as his number one goalkeeper, but the chase for the 23-year-old Portuguese international could signify a change of mind.

If they are seriously chasing Costa, the Blues are expected to make an official offer soon, although they should be aware that Porto could ask for a high price for the goalkeeper.