Chelsea told to pay €75m for Kepa replacement
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 13 Aug 2023 08:40 CDT
- 4 min read
Chelsea have been told that FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa will cost €75 million if they want to sign the young Portuguese shot-stopper as Kepa Arrizabalaga’s replacement.
The Blues are set to lose Kepa on a season-long loan to Real Madrid following Thibaut Courtois’ recent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Los Blancos have acted fast in the aftermath of the Belgian’s setback and quickly displaced Bayern Munich as the favourites to land the Chelsea ‘keeper.
MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals
Thomas Tuchel preferred Edouard Mendy during his stint at Stamford Bridge, but Bayern reportedly identified Kepa as a potential summer signing with Manuel Neuer set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
However, the former Athletic Club number one is now close to a shock loan move to Real Madrid for the 2023-24 season, which will not include a buy option, according to the Evening Standard.
He will not be involved in Chelsea’s squad for their opening Premier League game of the campaign against Liverpool, with new signing Robert Sanchez set to be given a start in between the sticks.
MORE: Kepa to Real Madrid: Chelsea's goalkeeper situation is a MESS
Despite the arrival of Sanchez from Brighton, Mauricio Pochettino’s side have been heavily linked with signing another goalkeeper following the news of Kepa’s likely exit.
Chelsea to sign Costa?
FC Porto star Diogo Costa has been a rumoured target of several big clubs across the continent in recent windows, and Chelsea enquired about the 23-year-old in June.
Portuguese outlet A Bola have reported that Porto will demand €75m for their goalkeeping sensation. Back in June, the west London club reportedly asked to pay that fee in three separate €25m instalments. But that was soon rejected by Porto, who weren’t keen on such a payment structure.
Chelsea may yet come back in for Costa, but it would require a serious investment from Todd Boehly. However, the American billionaire has shown he is more than willing to splash the cash on some of the best young stars in world football.
The Blues have spent over €200m this summer, with the likes of Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi and Nicolas Jackson.
