Chelsea want transfer at €40m – €20m below player’s clause

Chelsea may be unwilling to meet Diogo Costa’s €60m (£51m) release clause. However, fresh claims from Portugal suggest FC Porto have become concerned that another European heavyweight could do exactly that at the end of the transfer window.

According to Morning MailPorto’s hierarchy are growing wary of a scenario in which one of Europe’s biggest clubs waits until the closing days of August before activating the goalkeeper’s clause. This would leave the Portuguese side with almost no time to secure a suitable replacement.

The concern is not centred on one specific club for now. Instead, it is the timing of any potential move that is causing anxiety inside the Dragão.

Porto fear losing control of the situation

The newspaper reports Porto are already working on several areas of the squad this summer. However, Diogo Costa’s future has become one of the biggest dossiers on the club’s desk.

Their fear is that a late sale would leave them scrambling for a new first-choice goalkeeper. This could happen after most of the market has already moved.

Recent reports have focused on his outstanding World Cup and the growing interest from Europe’s elite. In addition, there is the likelihood that his valuation has increased again.

Now, Correio da Manhã suggest Porto’s attention has turned to managing the consequences of a possible late departure rather than simply resisting interest.

Chelsea still below Porto’s demands

The report reiterates that Chelsea remain one of the clubs in the race for Diogo Costa, but also repeats claims that the Premier League side are currently unwilling to go beyond €40m (£34m).

That remains well short of the €60m (£51m) release clause Porto expect to receive for their captain.

Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are again mentioned among the clubs monitoring the goalkeeper’s situation, adding to the belief that Porto could yet receive a major offer before the market closes.

For now, however, the greatest concern inside the club is not Chelsea’s current valuation.

According to Correio da Manhã, it is the prospect of a European heavyweight arriving late in the window with the full €60m (£51m), forcing Porto into one of the most difficult positions a selling club can face – losing one of their most important players with little time left to find a replacement.

🇪🇸 Pep Chavarría | Player reaches ‘full agreement’ to sign for Chelsea ➡️ Wants rapid transfer https://t.co/BkXwSGSRI8 #cfc

— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) July 14, 2026