Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly preparing to challenge Manchester City for the signature of Porto defender Alberto Costa as several Premier League clubs begin identifying targets for the 2027 summer transfer window.

According to a report by TeamTalk on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the 23-year-old right-back has attracted growing interest following his impressive performances in Portugal, with Manchester United particularly keen on bringing him to England.

Costa began his professional development at Vitoria Guimaraes before moving to Juventus in January 2025 for a reported €14 million. However, his spell in Italy did not last long, as he returned to his homeland to join Porto in July of the same year.

Since arriving at Porto, the Portuguese defender has become an important member of the squad, featuring regularly throughout the current campaign. His consistency has reportedly caught the attention of several major European clubs looking to strengthen their defensive options.

Fussball News reports that Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City are all keeping tabs on Costa, with Paris Saint-Germain also interested in the defender.

His combination of pace, physical strength and attacking ability is believed to make him an attractive option for both Manchester clubs. His capacity to contribute at both ends of the pitch has further increased his appeal.

Arsenal are also understood to be considering a move, despite having several defensive options already available. However, competition for Costa’s signature could become intense if the interested clubs decide to make formal approaches.

Porto are in a favourable position because the defender remains under contract until June 2030. His deal reportedly includes a €65 million release clause, worth approximately £54 million, and the Portuguese side are expected to demand that amount before allowing him to leave.

For Manchester United, Costa could provide a long-term solution at right-back, with Diogo Dalot’s position potentially coming under scrutiny as the club considers changes to its defence.

United are reportedly planning a major defensive overhaul next year, with the futures of Dalot, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw among those that could be reviewed.

The club are also assessing other options, including Adrien Truffert as a possible successor to Shaw and Jarrad Branthwaite as a potential replacement for Maguire. Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall is another player admired by the Red Devils, although his recent contract renewal could make a deal difficult.

Costa could therefore become an important target as United look to reshape their defensive department. However, whether he has the experience and consistency to immediately establish himself as a regular starter at Old Trafford remains to be seen.