Chelsea target Robert Sanchez transfer to provide Kepa Arrizabalaga competition

Blues want a double deal with Brighton as negotiations continue over midfielder Moises Caicedo
Nizaar Kinsella31 July 2023

Chelsea have made Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez their primary target to compete with Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The 25-year-old is being lined up this summer as someone capable of either becoming Mauricio Pochettino’s new No1 or else pushing current first-choice Kepa to improve his performance level.

Sanchez has the recommendation of Ben Roberts, who was Chelsea's goalkeeper coach under former boss Graham Potter last season but is now in a wider management role in goalkeeping at Stamford Bridge.

Roberts has a great bond with Sanchez, who is available after falling out of favour at the Amex Stadium under Roberto De Zerbi.

Chelsea are still far away from agreeing a fee with Brighton and anticipate difficult negotiations after struggling to agree a move for main midfield target Moises Caicedo.

Sanchez could be reunited with Kepa, with whom he has trained on international duty with Spain. Chelsea will also look to loan out Gabriel Slonina after Edouard Mendy was sold earlier in the summer.

Slonina has a broad agreement in principle to join Belgian club KAS Eupen on loan but Chelsea remain open to alternative options.

In the frame: Chelsea want Brighton’s Robert Sanchez to compete with Kepa Arrizabalaga
The FA via Getty Images

Pochettino is happy with Kepa as his No1 but the Blues are lacking if an injury to the Spaniard occurs. Chelsea considered a variety of goalkeeping options earlier in the summer including Andre Onana, who recently joined Manchester United from Inter Milan in a £47.2million deal.

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