Xabi Alonso targets £51m Porto goalkeeper Chelsea need after United passed

Chelsea are targeting Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa as Xabi Alonso looks to overhaul a squad that finished 10th in the Premier League last season, with the Portuguese stopper valued at around £51m by his club.

Alonso was appointed at Stamford Bridge and has identified the goalkeeping position as one of the most urgent areas to address. Robert Sanchez served as Chelsea’s first choice last term but drew persistent criticism, and Filip Jorgensen, who took over later in the season, also made costly errors — underlining the need for a top-level replacement.

Costa, 25, is one of Europe’s most highly regarded goalkeepers and captains Porto, who just claimed the Portuguese title. He kept 26 clean sheets across 53 appearances last season, conceding just 13 league goals in 31 matches. Porto value him at around €60m (£51m), though that figure could rise if he impresses at the World Cup this summer with Portugal, according to Portuguese outlet Record.

Manchester United were the first Premier League club to seriously pursue Costa, but ultimately signed André Onana as David de Gea’s replacement. When Onana struggled to meet expectations, United chose not to invest heavily in another goalkeeper, instead bringing in Senne Lammens — a decision that has left Costa firmly available.

Chelsea will face competition from PSG, who signed Lucas Chevalier from Lille last summer only for him to disappoint. Matvey Safonov replaced Chevalier mid-season but is not considered a guaranteed long-term option, and reports suggest the French club could move for Costa as their next first-choice keeper.

Porto have historically been willing to sell their most prized assets at the right price, and Costa — an academy product — would represent a significant boost to the club’s finances. Chelsea, who hold the record for the highest fee ever paid for a goalkeeper after spending £71.6m on Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Bilbao in 2018, are said to be ready to back Alonso in the transfer market.