Chelsea 'send scouts to watch Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa'

Chelsea are reportedly contemplating whether to launch an approach for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

During the January transfer window, the Blues hierarchy spent relentless to acquire the services of eight players, seven of which are ready to compete for a first-team spot in the second half of the season.

At some point, Chelsea will have to respond with player sales and exits in order to boost their position with FFP, but that it unlikely to prevent them from making further alterations in the summer.

Despite having several options between the sticks, the goalkeeping situation at Stamford Bridge looks far from certain going forward.

Although Kepa Arrizabalaga has kept three clean sheets in succession, the Spaniard continues to be linked with an eventual exit, while there have been suggestions that Edouard Mendy has no intention of penning a new contract after losing his spot in the team.

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Gabriel Slonina is a recent arrival in West London, but it remains to be seen whether the former Chicago Fire stopper, who will turn 19 years of age in May, is viewed as a senior option for 2023-24.

Should that not be the case, it appears realistic that Chelsea will consider alternatives, with Brentford's David Raya having recently been linked with a switch to a city rival.

However, according to 90min, Chelsea hold an interest in trying to win the race to sign Costa from Porto.

The Portugal international has only recently penned a new long-term contract at Estadio do Dragao, keeping him tied to Porto until 2027.

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Nevertheless, that has not stopped the 23-year-old from being frequently linked with a transfer to a bigger European club, with Manchester United known to be an admirer.

When Porto negotiated fresh terms with Costa, they inserted a £65m release clause to boost their chances of retaining the services of their most prized asset.

That said, the report says that Chelsea are one of a number of teams who are continuing to scout Costa with the view of making a formal approach.

Costa came through the academy ranks at Porto and has since gone on to make 93 appearances in all competitions, keeping 40 clean sheets.