Mauricio Pochettino plots Kepa backup transfer after Chelsea decision

Chelsea have reportedly identified Robert Sanchez as a potential understudy to Kepa Arrizabalaga. The 25-year-old goalkeeper has been heavily linked with an exit from Brighton for a while now after falling out of favour under Roberto De Zerbi.

Sanchez, who sees his contract at the Amex Stadium expire in 2025, featured 25 times for the Seagulls in the Premier League last season, keeping six clean sheets. Despite his impressive performances in the early stages of the campaign, Jason Steele stole his place in the starting lineup following a 1-0 defeat to Fulham in February.

Out of the final 16 games in the English top-flight, Sanchez started just once and he has since struggled to force himself back into Brighton’s plans. With the Spain international facing an uncertain future on the south coast, Chelsea could be tempted into a launching a bid.

In fact, according to Di Marzio journalist Nathan Gissing, the Blues have internally decided to target Sanchez as the goalkeeper to provide competition for Kepa this season. However, the report states that, as of last week, no contact has been made with the player’s entourage.

football.london understood that the Spaniard was high up on Tottenham shortlist for potential Hugo Lloris replacements, alongside the likes of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia, David Raya from Brentford and Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli. Spurs opted for the latter in a deal worth £17.2million.

In May, De Zerbi explained why Sanchez was omitted from the Brighton starting lineup. The Seagulls boss said: “Robert is a top guy. He is a good guy and I have a very good relationship with him.

“I can understand him. He has to understand me and he has to understand his coach. But sincerely there isn’t a problem. I decided to play with Jason not because I don’t like Robert, because Robert is a top goalkeeper.

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“But I am a coach. I have to decide something and I have to decide before the game. You can speak after the game and I think it is easier for you.

“I took the decision to continue with Jason, only this, and it is my right. If I have something to say I always prefer to speak face to face with my players, not by journalists, not by press conference.”

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