Arsenal handed transfer boost as £63m release clause confirmed for Chelsea target

Arsenal are monitoring the situation of Porto's Diogo Costa ahead of a potential summer move.

Costa has been one of the standout goalkeepers in Europe over the last couple of years and was impressive in the Champions League against the Gunners during the 2023/24 season. The 24-year-old remarkably conceded just 38 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions, keeping 17 clean sheets.

Despite this, Porto could be forced to sell Costa this summer. Portuguese newspaper O Jogo have reported that the Dragons may need to make a big sale and Costa is a serious candidate to leave the club. It's claimed Costa has attracted interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City - with those three keeping an eye and scouting him recently over a possible swoop in the summer transfer window.

Even though Porto could need to cash in on Costa, they are not going to allow him to leave on the cheap. Costa is protected by a €75million (£63m) release clause in his contract and the Portuguese club will only let him go for something close to that figure, which would put him among the most-expensive goalkeepers of all-time alongside Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alisson and Andre Onana.

Costa came through the youth system at Porto and was promoted up to the first-team in 2019. He has made 154 appearances for them thus far, becoming an ever-present over the past three years. Costa is set to start for Portugal at Euro 2024 and his performances in Germany could convince the Gunners, Chelsea or City to make a move this summer. Bayern Munich are also said to be tracking his progress.

Arsenal are expected to add another goalkeeper to their ranks if Aaron Ramsdale is sold this summer. David Raya will join the club on a permanent deal from Brentford after impressing in his loan spell last season, with second-choice Ramsdale seeking an exit to gain regular game time.