Xabi Alonso looks set to complete Chelsea’s lineup as they get ready to pay his £51m release clause.
Chelsea is getting ready to make their last big signing of the summer after head coach Xabi Alonso pointed out that one of the world’s best goalkeepers is the “final piece of the puzzle.” It’s been a busy transfer window at Stamford Bridge, with lots of new players joining and a total spend of around £300 million.
Morgan Rogers became the most expensive British player ever after moving from Aston Villa for £117 million. Other big signings include Maxence Lacroix (£52m), Marco Palestra (£43m), Geovany Quenda (£40m), and Valentin Barco (£34m).
At the start of the window, Chelsea’s squad was very young, with an average age of just 23.6 and no players over 30. That changed with the arrival of Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck, who bring more experience to the team.
Now, it looks like Chelsea could add another experienced player: FC Porto’s goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Costa has played over 250 games for Porto and has 48 appearances for Portugal. Xabi Alonso sees him as the final piece needed to complete the squad, according to Spanish source Mundo Deportivo. Chelsea is ready to pay Costa’s €60 million (£51m) release clause to bring him in for the new season.
Last season, Robert Sanchez was Chelsea’s main goalkeeper, but the position has often been seen as a weak spot. So, signing Costa would be a big boost.
Chelsea’s forward line is pretty crowded. Along with Danny Welbeck’s arrival, they have Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap, Emmanuel Emegha, and Joao Pedro. Emegha officially joined the club in July after a £22 million deal from Strasbourg.
That said, Fabrizio Romano says there’s a chance Emegha could leave if the club gets a good offer. Romano also mentions that Chelsea would consider selling Liam Delap if the price is right, although Delap wants to stay and keep fighting for his place.