A new goalkeeper is one of Chelsea's main transfer priorities for the summer with Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy both struggling to firmly lock down the number one spot in between the sticks. Mendy was the favoured option under Thomas Tuchel, but his performances have dropped in recent months with Kepa benefitting from his dip in form and the arrival of Graham Potter.
With Kepa the only available option due to an injury suffered by Mendy, the Spaniard started Potter's debut match in charge and since then has only missed two Premier League games. He then picked up his own injury in the 4-1 defeat to Brighton, with Mendy then back in the team for both 1-0 defeats suffered by the Blues to Newcastle and Arsenal before the World Cup.
Kepa's injury was serious enough to leave him out of Spain's squad for the tournament in Qatar but by Boxing Day, Chelsea's first game back against Bournemouth, he was available again. From the eight games played since the 2-0 win over the Cherries, Kepa has kept four league clean sheets, with three of those arriving in the last few weeks.
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Liverpool were unable to significantly test Kepa in their clash at Anfield last month, but the shot-stopper was certainly required against Crystal Palace and Fulham where he pulled off a number of impressive saves. Nonetheless, a new goalkeeper appears to still be on the agenda with the Blues keeping tabs on Everton's Jordan Pickford and Brentford's David Raya and another name has now been added to that list.
According to 90min, Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa is attracting interest from west London with scouts subsequently being sent to Portugal to watch his performances. The 23-year-old was the starting goalkeeper for Portugal at the World Cup and has kept 13 clean sheets in 25 games this season, including three in the Champions League.
Chelsea do look set to face competition from Manchester United and Tottenham in the goalkeeping department with both clubs eyeing long-term successors to David de Gea and Hugo Lloris, respectively. Raya is of interest to Spurs, while United already sent representatives to watch Costa earlier in the season.
A new defender, central midfielder and striker are positions that need filling at Stamford Bridge alongside a new goalkeeper but the recent performances of Kepa could see Chelsea prioritise filling the other roles first.
Kepa is 28 and his current contract expires in 2025 which means Chelsea do not need to rush when it comes to deciding his future. Mendy on the other hand also sees his deal expire at the same point, but talks over an extension have occurred with the 30-year-old unhappy over his current weekly wage.
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