Chelsea refuse to meet Diogo Costa release clause as Porto hold firm

Chelsea are preparing to open talks with Porto over Diogo Costa, but the two clubs remain some distance apart on valuation.

The Blues are determined to strengthen their goalkeeping department this summer, with the Portugal international emerging as Xabi Alonso's preferred target. However, Chelsea are reportedly unwilling to activate Costa's €60 million (£51 million) release clause, creating an immediate obstacle before negotiations have even begun.

According to reports in Portugal, Chelsea are ready to begin formal discussions with Porto after tracking Costa for several months.

The Premier League club reportedly value the 26-year-old at around €40 million (£34 million), leaving a €20 million gap between their valuation and Porto's asking price.

That difference means negotiations could prove difficult unless one side softens its stance.

At this stage, Chelsea have yet to submit an official bid.

Chelsea's interest is being driven by new head coach Xabi Alonso, who is said to have been impressed by Costa long before this summer.

His performances at the World Cup only strengthened that opinion.

Alonso reportedly wants a goalkeeper capable of becoming Chelsea's long-term first choice and is unconvinced that Robert Sánchez or Filip Jörgensen can fill that role over the coming seasons.

Costa, Porto's captain and one of Europe's most consistent goalkeepers, has therefore emerged as Chelsea's leading target.

Porto have little incentive to lower their demands.

The Portuguese giants believe Costa's outstanding World Cup campaign has only increased his market value, while continued interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich strengthens their negotiating position.

Club president André Villas-Boas is understood to be determined to protect Porto's valuation, with no intention of accepting offers significantly below the goalkeeper's release clause.

For now, that leaves Chelsea with an important decision to make.

Chelsea are expected to begin formal negotiations with Porto in the coming days, but bridging the €20 million valuation gap will be crucial if a deal is to progress. Unless one club changes its position, the goalkeeper's future could become one of the summer's longest-running transfer sagas.

Would Diogo Costa be worth Chelsea paying the full €60 million release clause, or should the Blues pursue a cheaper alternative?