Chelsea begin formal talks with Brighton over outcast goalkeeper Robert Sanchez
Chelsea and Brighton have entered into formal talks regarding the potential transfer of Robert Sanchez, according to talkSPORT. The 25-year-old goalkeeper has been playing second fiddle to Jason Steele under manager Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton.
Chelsea is keen on acquiring the services of the Spanish international as competition for their current goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga. Brighton, who recently signed Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen for £17 million, is open to the idea of letting Sanchez go.
The nature of the deal between Chelsea and Brighton is yet to be determined, whether it will be a loan or a permanent transfer. Verbruggen has taken over the No.1 shirt from Sanchez, indicating that the latter might leave the Amex Stadium this summer.
Sanchez, who has represented Spain at the international level, is also considered part of Brighton’s homegrown contingent, having been with the club since the age of 15.
A move to Chelsea would reunite Sanchez with former Brighton goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts, who remained at Stamford Bridge despite Graham Potter’s departure last season.
Chelsea is currently in the market for a goalkeeper following Edouard Mendy’s move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli last month. Additionally, Gabriel Slonina, a highly-rated 19-year-old, is expected to join Belgian side KAS Eupen on a season-long loan.
Chelsea have begun formal talks with Brighton and Hove Albion over the potential transfer of their outcast goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
The 24-year-old Spaniard is being strongly linked with a move away from Chelsea following the arrival of high-profile goalkeeper Edouard Mendy from Rennes in August.
Sanchez has yet to feature for Chelsea in their 19/20 Premier League season, and his omission from the starting line-up suggests that manager Frank Lampard has lost faith in the young stopper.
The deal could be seen as a coup for Brighton, who are desperately seeking a back-up goalkeeper following the sale of Mathew Ryan to Arsenal.
Brilliant performances at Real Madrid’s B team led to Sanchez getting a transfer to Chelsea in the summer of 2019. Unfortunately, it didn’t pan out the way he wanted it to, as he only made four appearances for the Chelsea first team last season.
Sanchez has only had a total of 22 senior appearances in his professional career, including half a season at Real Madrid’s B team before his move to Stamford Bridge.
It’s not certain yet whether the deal goes through, but if it does, it could be a great move for Sanchez who has the potential to be a top-class goalkeeper. Brighton could be getting a talented young goalkeeper who still has so much to offer and much to learn.