Diogo Costa transfer closer as Chelsea watch World Cup star

Chelsea had scouts watching Diogo Costa produce another decisive World Cup performance as speculation over a summer transfer from Porto continues to grow.

According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Chelsea were among the clubs represented as Portugal beat Croatia to reach the quarter-finals, with Costa again playing a major role for Roberto Martínez’s side.

The 26-year-old had already been named Player of the Match following an outstanding display against Colombia, when his saves prevented Portugal from slipping to defeat. His performance against Croatia further strengthened his reputation as one of the standout goalkeepers at the tournament.

Record reports that Costa arrived at the World Cup as one of the most sought-after goalkeepers on the transfer market. After his latest performances, the newspaper suggests a move away from Porto may now be “closer than ever”.

Chelsea’s presence at Portugal’s victory over Croatia is the latest indication that Costa remains firmly on the club’s radar.

The Blues have repeatedly been linked with the Porto captain, while Paris Saint-Germain are also reported to be following his situation closely. No formal move has yet been made, but his performances at the World Cup are ensuring that interest is unlikely to disappear.

Costa’s influence on Portugal’s tournament has been particularly significant. After his match-saving contribution against Colombia, he delivered another commanding performance against Croatia as Martínez’s team secured a place in the last eight.

For Chelsea, the timing is notable. The club have been associated with a possible move for an elite goalkeeper, and watching Costa perform under the pressure of a World Cup knockout match gives scouts another opportunity to assess him at the highest level.

His displays are also increasing the attention around a transfer that has been discussed for months.

Costa has long been regarded as one of Europe’s leading goalkeepers, but his World Cup performances have pushed him further into the spotlight.

He is already an established Portugal international and the captain of Porto, meaning any interested club would be signing a goalkeeper with significant experience despite him still being only 26.

Having followed Chelsea’s goalkeeper situation closely, the attraction is understandable. Costa offers experience in possession, authority in his penalty area and the ability to make decisive saves in major matches.

The World Cup has provided further evidence of that last quality.

However, there remains an important difference between growing interest and an active transfer negotiation. A Bola reports that Porto have not received a formal approach or official offer for their captain.

That means talk of a move being “closer than ever” reflects the increasing market attention around Costa rather than a deal currently being agreed.

Porto continue to publicly maintain that they are not planning to lose Costa this summer, but reports in Portugal suggest the club are preparing for every possibility.

A Bola says several potential replacements have already been identified in case a transfer forces Porto into the goalkeeper market.

That preparation does not confirm Costa will leave. It does, however, underline the uncertainty surrounding a player whose future is becoming one of the major stories of the summer window.

The financial terms of any possible deal are also clear.

Costa signed a new contract earlier in 2026 that reduced his release clause to €60 million (£51m). Portuguese reports have consistently suggested Porto are unlikely to negotiate below that figure.

For Chelsea, that would represent a major investment in a goalkeeper. The decision would therefore go beyond Costa’s impressive World Cup form and depend on how strongly the club believe he can become a long-term solution at Stamford Bridge.

Costa’s performances in the United States may also affect the dynamics of any summer negotiations.

Porto entered the tournament with one of the most highly rated goalkeepers on the market. They now have a captain who has produced decisive displays on the biggest international stage while being watched by potential buyers.

That strengthens the Portuguese club’s position.

Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain may be among the teams monitoring developments, but Porto have little reason to reduce their demands while Costa continues to enhance his reputation.

At the same time, the goalkeeper’s value to Portugal has become increasingly visible. His performances against Colombia and Croatia have helped carry Martínez’s side into the quarter-finals, adding further weight to the belief that he is ready for another major step in his career.

Costa’s immediate focus remains Portugal’s World Cup quarter-final, where another major performance would only increase the attention surrounding his future.

Chelsea must now decide whether their scouting interest develops into a formal approach. Porto, meanwhile, can continue to point towards the goalkeeper’s €60m release clause as speculation intensifies.

Until an official bid arrives, there is no active negotiation to complete. Yet with Chelsea watching, Porto preparing for possible alternatives and Costa continuing to excel on the world stage, the conditions for a major summer transfer are becoming increasingly clear.

Should Chelsea pay €60m to make Diogo Costa their long-term number one?