Manchester United and Arsenal have taken an interest in Porto right-back Alberto Costa as his rapid development has established him as an impressive talent on the European soccer scene.
Costa, 22, joined Porto from Juventus in July 2025 and quickly established himself in their team. In his initial year in Portugal he appeared 47 times and recorded eight assists to show his attacking contribution from behind.
Growing Transfer Interest Amid Strong Contractual Protection
Several clubs, including Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain alongside Manchester United and Arsenal, are keeping an eye on Costa. However, none have made formal offers yet, as the potential suitors remain in the scouting and evaluation phase.
Porto’s contractual position is solid. The club acquired Costa for €15 million plus potential bonuses and locked him into a contract running until June 2030. This agreement includes a €65 million release clause, while Juventus retained 10% of any future profit from a transfer.
This season, Costa has continued to impress, starting in most of Porto’s early league and Champions League matches, including a full game against Manchester City.
What Would Costa Bring to Manchester United and Arsenal?
From Manchester United’s perspective, signing Costa would introduce strong competition at right-back and align with the club’s strategy of investing in young players who can develop into key long-term contributors.
For Arsenal, Costa offers tactical versatility. Under Mikel Arteta, players who can operate in multiple roles and contribute effectively in possession are highly valued. Costa’s ability to balance attacking runs with defensive discipline would provide useful options.
The main obstacle remains the price tag. Committing nearly €60-65 million for a 22-year-old with a relatively brief track record at the highest level represents a significant investment, especially given Porto’s strong negotiating position since they do not need to sell.
Costa’s attacking output is certainly promising. His eight assists last season as a full-back demonstrate his influence going forward, and his pace and recovery skills fit well with teams that defend high up the pitch.
For both interested clubs, the most sensible approach at this stage is to continue monitoring Costa’s progress rather than rushing into a deal. Should his development continue on its current trajectory, the release clause may become more justifiable in the future. For now, Porto retain most of the leverage in any potential negotiations.