Chelsea ready to swoop in for Premier League goalkeeper as Pochettino eyes ambitious double deal
Chelsea have set their sights on Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez as Mauricio Pochettino goes in search of a new goalkeeper.
Having sold Edouard Mendy to Al Ahli, Chelsea are in the market for a new goalkeeper who can challenge Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Chelsea are already locked into negotiations with Brighton for Moises Caicedo, but they are yet to reach an agreement for the midfielder.
While they continue to negotiate for Caicedo, Chelsea are now plotting a move for one of his Brighton teammates.
According to Nathan Gissing, Chelsea have decided to target Sanchez as they look to provide Kepa with some extra competition.
“Understand Chelsea have internally decided on targeting Brighton Robert Sanchez as the goalkeeper to provide competition for Kepa Arrizabalaga,” Gissing reported. “But as of last week, no contact made yet with player’s side.”
The Spanish goalkeeper has been targeted by plenty of top European clubs after a couple of strong seasons with Brighton.
Sanchez did fall out of favour with Roberto De Zerbi in the second half of last season as Jason Steele jumped ahead of him in the pecking order.
“With Robert I have no problem,” De Zerbi told reporters in May. “I decided to play with Jason [Steele], not because I don’t like Robert, because Robert is a top keeper, but I’m a coach, I have to decide and I have to decide before the game.
“You can speak after the game, it’s easier for you, but I am the coach, I have to take the decision before the game. I took the decision to continue with Jason, only this. That is my right.”
Sanchez kept six clean sheets in 23 appearances for Brighton last season and boasted a save percentage of 64.8%.
He is also comfortable with the ball at his feet and would be a good option for Pochettino next season.
Reports have suggested that Brighton would be willing to let Sanchez leave this summer, especially after they completed the signing of Bart Verbruggen from Anderlecht.
The Spanish goalkeeper is under contract with Brighton until 2025, but he is seemingly keen on an exit this summer.
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