Chelsea now at front of queue for impressive signing – Blues tighten grip

Chelsea’s pursuit of Diogo Costa is gathering momentum in Portugal. There are fresh claims the Blues have moved to the front of the queue for the FC Porto captain after his outstanding World Cup.

The Portugal international enhanced his reputation throughout the tournament with a string of impressive performances. So Portuguese reports have repeatedly linked Chelsea with the 26-year-old in recent weeks.

The latest update now suggests Stamford Bridge is becoming the most likely destination. This could happen if Porto are eventually forced into a sale.

According to Portuguese broadcaster TSFChelsea have “tightened their grip” in the race for Diogo Costa. Now the club is most willing to invest in signing the goalkeeper.

Chelsea’s interest reaches new level

The report states Chelsea had already been tracking Diogo Costa well before the World Cup. We know that could well be true. However, his performances for Portugal have only reinforced the club’s admiration.

TSF add that Chelsea’s interest has intensified during the tournament. The goalkeeper’s displays have convinced the Premier League side to make him one of their leading priorities for the summer.

The report also claims new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is an admirer of the Porto captain, providing another reason why the London club remain determined to pursue the transfer.

Perhaps the most significant claim is that Chelsea are now considered the club most prepared to make a serious investment for Diogo Costa. This is despite interest from several other European heavyweights.

Porto still waiting for first move

TSF reiterate that Porto do not want to lose their first-choice goalkeeper. Even so, the report acknowledges Chelsea possess the financial power to trigger Diogo Costa’s €60m (£51m) release clause.

Over recent weeks, Portuguese newspapers have repeatedly reported that Costa’s outstanding World Cup has increased his market value. Meanwhile, Porto manager Francesco Farioli has publicly insisted he wants his captain to stay. He even joked that the club should “close the airport” to stop him leaving.

At the same time, Porto have continued to insist there has been no formal offer for the goalkeeper. TSF maintain that remains the case.

Focus now turns to Chelsea’s next move

With Portugal’s World Cup campaign over, attention is naturally shifting back towards the transfer market.

TSF report Diogo Costa is expected to return from his holidays and begin pre-season under Francesco Farioli. However, they also believe Chelsea have no intention of abandoning their pursuit.

The broadcaster’s suggestion that Chelsea are now the club most eager to invest marks another step in the Portuguese transfer narrative.

Earlier reports focused on growing interest, the goalkeeper’s rising valuation and the possibility of a summer move.

Now, the discussion is increasingly centred on whether Chelsea will transform that admiration into a formal approach capable of testing Porto’s resolve.