Chelsea remain interested in Diogo Costa but €40m bid falls short

Chelsea remain interested in signing Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa this summer, but the Premier League club are reportedly unwilling to meet the Portuguese side's €60 million release clause.

According to reports in Portugal, Chelsea currently value the Portugal international at around €40 million, leaving a significant gap in negotiations as Porto brace themselves for increased interest before the transfer window closes.

Porto's biggest concern is no longer whether clubs are interested in Costa, but when a formal offer could arrive.

Club officials reportedly fear that one of Europe's biggest sides could activate the goalkeeper's release clause during the final days of the transfer window, leaving them with little time to secure a replacement.

The 26-year-old enhanced his reputation with another impressive World Cup campaign, further increasing expectations that major European clubs could make a move before the deadline.

While Chelsea remain among the clubs monitoring Costa, they are not alone.

Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have also been credited with interest, increasing the possibility that Porto could eventually receive an offer matching their valuation.

For now, however, Chelsea's reported €40 million valuation remains €20 million below the figure Porto are demanding for their captain, making an agreement unlikely unless one side changes its position.

Chelsea are expected to continue monitoring Costa's situation, but Porto are unlikely to lower their demands while interest from other European giants remains strong. The closing weeks of the transfer window could prove decisive if a club decides to trigger the goalkeeper's release clause.

Should Chelsea meet Porto's €60 million asking price for Diogo Costa, or look elsewhere for a new goalkeeper?