Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has responded to speculation linking the club with a move for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa by saying: “Costa? I am happy with Chelsea’s goalkeepers.”
The comments come amid reports of possible interest in Costa, but Alonso’s response indicates that he is satisfied with the goalkeeping options already available to him at Chelsea.
Robert Sanchez was the club’s main goalkeeper last season, making 50 appearances in all competitions. During those matches, he conceded 67 goals.
Mike Penders was also involved in a demanding campaign, playing 52 times for Strasbourg. He conceded 65 goals across those appearances.
The figures provide the background to the rumours surrounding Costa, but Alonso has focused on the goalkeepers currently connected with Chelsea rather than suggesting that the club is preparing to make a change in that position.
Costa remains the goalkeeper named in the speculation. The Portugal international is contracted to Porto, and reports have raised the possibility of Chelsea attempting to bring him to Stamford Bridge. Alonso, however, has publicly expressed his satisfaction with his current choices.
Chelsea’s first Premier League fixture of the new season will be away against Fulham. The match is scheduled for 24 August and will begin at 22:00 Moscow time.
That opening-day meeting will provide the first competitive test of Alonso’s Chelsea side in the new campaign. The club’s goalkeeping situation will therefore be among the areas watched closely as the season begins, particularly after Sanchez’s and Penders’ respective records from the previous season.
Sanchez’s 50 appearances and Penders’ 52 outings mean both goalkeepers played significant roles for their teams last term. Sanchez conceded 67 goals for Chelsea, while Penders conceded 65 during his time with Strasbourg.
Despite those statistics and the continued discussion around Costa, Alonso’s message was clear: Chelsea’s head coach is currently satisfied with the goalkeepers at his disposal. For now, the club’s first Premier League assignment remains the visit to Fulham on 24 August.