Chelsea unwilling to meet player’s clause – €20m hurdle

Portuguese reports believe Chelsea are preparing to make their move for Diogo Costa. However, any deal already appears complicated by a significant difference in valuation.

Local newspaper Morning Mail reports Chelsea are ready to begin talks with Porto over a transfer. However, the Blues have no intention of triggering Diogo Costa’s €60m (£51m) release clause.

Instead, the report claims Chelsea value the Portugal international at around €40m (£34m), immediately creating a gap of approximately €20m (£17m) between the two clubs before formal negotiations have even started.

Xabi Alonso is fully convinced

The newspaper explains Chelsea’s interest predates the World Cup. It also claims the tournament removed any remaining doubts.

According to Correio da Manhã, new head coach Xabi Alonso had admired Diogo Costa before the competition. Now he was left fully convinced after the goalkeeper’s performances for Portugal.

The report adds that Alonso wants to build a Chelsea side capable of challenging Arsenal and Manchester City for the Premier League title and does not believe either Robert Sánchez or Filip Jörgensen provides the long-term solution he wants between the posts.

Porto refusing to compromise

While Chelsea may be preparing to make their move, Porto are showing little willingness to negotiate.

Correio da Manhã state president André Villas-Boas has no intention of reducing the asking price, particularly after Diogo Costa’s outstanding World Cup campaign further strengthened his market value.

Porto also know Chelsea are not the only club keeping a close eye on the situation.

The newspaper says Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich continue to be associated with the goalkeeper. As a result, this gives Porto little reason to soften their stance.

Recent reports in Portugal have consistently maintained there has still been no formal proposal submitted for Diogo Costa.

Negotiations heating up

Over recent weeks, Portuguese reports have focused on Chelsea’s interest and the goalkeeper’s World Cup displays. Additionally, they highlight Porto’s determination to keep their captain.

Now, attention is shifting towards the financial side of a potential deal.

With Chelsea reportedly preparing to open negotiations while valuing Diogo Costa at around €40m (£34m), and Porto refusing to entertain offers below the €60m (£51m) release clause, the coming weeks are likely to determine whether the two clubs can bridge that €20m (£17m) gap or whether it proves too significant to overcome.