Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez set to join Chelsea as competition for Kepa Arrizabalaga
Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is on the verge of joining Chelsea as the Blues intensify their pursuit of the Spaniard. However, completing the deal may prove to be complicated. Mauricio Pochettino, the manager of Chelsea, is keen to bring in a new shot-stopper to provide cover and competition for Kepa Arrizabalaga following the departure of Edouard Mendy.
Despite doubts surrounding Kepa since his record-breaking transfer from Athletic Bilbao, he has impressed Pochettino during pre-season. While Pochettino is satisfied with Kepa as the number one goalkeeper, he wants a higher-quality understudy and has identified Sanchez as the ideal candidate.
Sanchez, who fell out of favor at Brighton last season under Roberto De Zerbi, lost his place to Jason Steele and is now considered surplus to requirements with the Seagulls having signed Bart Verbruggen. The Daily Mail reports that Sanchez has already agreed to join Chelsea and has given the move the green light.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper’s development was greatly influenced by former Brighton goalkeeper coach Ben Roberts, who is now at Chelsea. Roberts played a significant role in Sanchez’s growth and is believed to have recommended him to the Blues’ recruitment team.
Sanchez’s addition to Chelsea would be beneficial as he qualifies as a homegrown player, having come through Brighton’s academy after leaving Spain at the age of 15. However, despite falling down the pecking order at Brighton, he could still command a price tag of around £30m.
The deal for Sanchez is complicated by the strained relationship between Chelsea and Brighton. The two clubs are currently at odds over the transfers of Levi Colwill and Moises Caicedo. Brighton has rejected two bids from Chelsea for Colwill, including a club-record fee, while the west Londoners have been unwilling to meet Brighton’s £100m asking price for Caicedo.
Despite Pochettino’s interest in signing Sanchez, he has spoken highly of Kepa, praising his commitment and improvement under the coaching staff. Pochettino considers Kepa a fantastic goalkeeper and is happy with his performance.
In addition to pursuing Sanchez, Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has expressed openness to signing a new attacker amid links to Elye Wahi. The club’s owner, Todd Boehly, has also held talks with PSG over a potential move for superstar Kylian Mbappe.
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In conclusion, Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is set to join Chelsea as competition for Kepa Arrizabalaga. The deal, however, may face complications due to the strained relationship between the two clubs. Despite this, Pochettino is keen on signing Sanchez as a higher-quality understudy for Kepa. Sanchez’s addition would provide Chelsea with a homegrown player and strengthen their goalkeeping options.