Mauricio Pochettino could welcome a new goalkeeper this summer despite wanting Kepa Arrizabalaga remain as his No.1 option. In the build up to the current transfer window, a new striker, central midfielder and goalkeeper were loosely placed on the wish list, but following the arrival of Pochettino, one of those transfer priorities has changed.
The departure of Edouard Mendy looked set to highlight there was a clear need for a new shot-stopper to arrive ahead of the 2023/24 season. Mike Maignan, Andre Onana and David Raya were put forward as some early options with the Blues discussing Onana during meetings with Inter that were scheduled to be based on the future of Romelu Lukaku.
Eventually the decision was made to not pursue any of the trio because of their price tags, with the Evening Standard then revealing Pochettino believes, along with goalkeeping coach Toni Jimenez, he can take Kepa to the next level.
Three alternative names, likely available at a cheaper price, were then placed on the short list as Pochettino wants to see competition for the spot. On that new list looks to be Gregor Kobel, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Diogo Costa with significant progress now appearing to be made for the latter.
Manchester United are also in search of a new signing between the sticks and had identified Costa as an option, however they are now formally pursuing Onana. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, a second bid totalling €50million (£42m) is being prepared by those at Old Trafford.
Inter entered talks hoping to get a €60million (£51.3m) package, but it has been said that €55million (£47m) could get the signing over the line with personal terms not an issue. Erik ten Hag choosing for a reunion with his former Ajax goalkeeper now looks to have given the Blues a free run at Costa with fresh talks held in recent days, according to Simon Phillips' Substack (subscription required).
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Super agent Jorge Mendes is also involved in negotiations but Porto are thus proving to be tough negotiators. According to Portuguese outlet A Bola as quoted by Sport Witness, Mendes is trying to help Chelsea wrap up a deal, but a firm asking price stance is making any progress hard to come by.
According to Portuguese outlet Record, Porto could demand around €75million (£64.2m) to sanction an exit. The Blues meeting that price see him become the second-most expensive shot-stopper of all-time behind none other than Kepa Arrizabalaga.
