Chelsea linked with Portuguese ace as goalkeeper search chugs on

Chelsea linked with Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa as search for shot-stopper continues

According to journalist Simon Phillips (h/t Football.London), Chelsea remain linked with Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa as their search for a new shot-stopper continues.

Chelsea may sell, if not both of their current top options in the goalkeeping department. Edouard Mendy is likelier to leave this summer, having not signed a contract extension yet after rejecting an offer that he deemed was ‘disrespectful’.

Kepa Arrizabalaga has not convinced anyone since taking over the number one duty following the arrival of Graham Potter. If the Blues are to win big things soon, the Spaniard cannot be their first-choice goalkeeper.

Chelsea are among the clubs interested in signing Brentford keeper David Raya, who has rejected contract offers from the Bees to try a new challenge. The Blues have also kept Leeds United stopper Illan Meslier on their radar.

Costa was a target for the club ahead of the January window during the World Cup. But, despite heavy spending and eight new signings that month, they resisted the temptation to sign a goalkeeper.

The Portugal international is a decent shot-stopper with comfort while playing out from the bench. He does have a mistake in him though. We still remember him, at the World Cup, not looking back at the Ghana striker before releasing the ball with his hand. He was lucky not to be fully punished for that howler.

If we do a comparative analysis, Raya seems like the best option out of the three for Chelsea to sign. The other two are young keepers who can further improve their game before playing for a top European club.

More Chelsea News:

• England boss Gareth Southgate reveals high regard for Chelsea star Reece James
• Brighton CEO Paul Barber confirms Chelsea star Moises Caicedo will get his chance to play for top clubs
• Ben Foster feels Chelsea must replace goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga

It’s not that Meslier and Costa are bad players, but Raya has more positives to his game and he is more experienced that the duo.