Arsenal Join Man United and Man City in Race for Porto Right-Back Alberto Costa

Arsenal are keeping a close watch on Porto right-back Alberto Costa, according to Caught Offside. The 22-year-old has impressed since joining from Juventus in July 2025, but Porto's €65m release clause means any deal remains firmly at the scouting stage.

  • Player: Alberto Costa, 22-year-old right-back
  • Current club: Porto, under contract until June 2030
  • Interested clubs: Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain
  • Release clause: €65m
  • Juventus clause: 10 per cent of any future profit
  • Stage: Scouting and analysis only — no formal bids

Deal details

Porto signed Costa from Juventus in July 2025 for €15m, plus up to €1m in bonuses. He has since made 47 appearances and provided eight assists in his first season in Portugal. His contract runs until June 2030 and includes a €65m release clause.

Juventus retained a 10 per cent sell-on clause on any future profit, meaning the Serie A club would receive a substantial cut of any transfer above the €15m fee Porto paid. Porto's negotiating position is described as strong because they do not need to sell.

Caught Offside reports 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."

Alberto Costa Emerges on Arsenal Transfer Radar

Arsenal's interest is understandable given Mikel Arteta's preference for versatile defenders. The source notes 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."

Costa's mobility and attacking thrust suit a side that asks full-backs to adapt from game to game. His eight assists last season highlight his creative output from wide areas, a quality Arsenal may seek to add to their squad.

However, any move would require a significant financial commitment. Committing close to €60m to €65m for a 22-year-old with a limited body of elite-level work is a major call, even in an inflated market. The sensible approach for Arsenal and United, according to the report, is to keep watching rather than rush.

The numbers

  • €15m: fee Porto paid Juventus for Costa in July 2025
  • Up to €1m: additional bonuses in that deal
  • 47: appearances for Porto in his first season
  • 8: assists from right-back last season
  • €65m: release clause in his contract
  • 10%: Juventus' share of any future profit
  • June 2030: contract expiry date

Why Arsenal are monitoring Costa rather than bidding

Arsenal's recruitment team have a clear profile in mind: a full-back who can attack space, recover quickly and stay secure in possession. Alberto Costa fits that mould. His eight assists from right-back demonstrate end product, while his pace suits a team that defends aggressively and high up the pitch.

Yet the price point is the central issue. Porto hold a strong negotiating position precisely because they do not need to sell. Juventus' 10 per cent sell-on clause further complicates any deal, as Porto would want a premium to ensure a substantial profit. For Arsenal, a fee close to €65m for a player still proving himself at the top end is a significant gamble.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring, meaning competition could drive the price higher. Arsenal's interest looks credible, but a move would require a deliberate decision. Right now, it feels like a name to remember rather than a deal that is close.

Talking points

  • Is €65m too steep for a 22-year-old with one impressive season in Portugal, or is it the going rate for elite full-backs?
  • Should Arsenal prioritise a right-back when other areas of the squad may need strengthening?
  • Could Juventus' 10 per cent sell-on clause scupper any deal by forcing Porto to demand an even higher fee?
  • With Manchester City and PSG also interested, can Arsenal afford to wait and risk losing out?

What happens next

Arsenal will continue to scout Costa, but no formal bid is expected imminently. The club's next move depends on Porto's stance and whether the release clause is triggered. With multiple clubs monitoring, the situation could develop quickly if a formal offer is made.

Frequently asked questions

Is Alberto Costa joining Arsenal?

No formal bid has been made. Arsenal are monitoring Costa, but the interest is at the scouting and analysis stage.

How much is Alberto Costa's release clause?

His Porto contract includes a €65m release clause, and Juventus are entitled to 10 per cent of any future profit.

Which clubs are interested in Alberto Costa?

Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are all monitoring the 22-year-old right-back.

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