Arsenal are among the clubs keeping a close watch on Porto right-back Alberto Costa, with Caught Offside reporting that the Gunners are tracking one of the more intriguing young full-backs in the European market.
The 22-year-old has moved quickly since joining Porto from Juventus in July 2025. In a short space of time, he has become a regular, ending his first season in Portugal with 47 appearances and eight assists. That level of involvement matters, and so does the wider context. As noted in the original report, A Bola said he was “the fifth-most-used Porto player in 2025-26”, which underlines how firmly he has established himself.
Alberto Costa Emerges on Arsenal Transfer Radar
There is interest, and there is active pursuit. At present, this situation appears to sit firmly in the first category. The report states that “Man United and Arsenal are among several clubs monitoring Costa, alongside Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain” and that “No formal bids have been made, with the interested clubs still at the scouting and analysis stage.” That distinction is important when judging how advanced this really is.
From Arsenal’s perspective, the fit is understandable. Costa’s profile suggests mobility, attacking thrust and the capacity to play with intensity in advanced areas. The source adds that “Mikel Arteta values defenders who can play multiple roles and contribute in possession”, and that Costa’s game “would give him useful tactical flexibility.” For a side that asks full-backs to adapt from game to game, that point stands out.
Photo: IMAGO
Porto Hold Strong Position in Any Costa Deal
Porto, however, have protected themselves well. They paid Juventus €15m, plus up to €1m in bonuses, and secured Costa on a contract until June 2030. Crucially, “His contract also includes a €65m release clause”, while Juventus have retained 10 per cent of the profit on any future sale. That creates a high bar for any suitor, especially for…
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