Chelsea reach agreement to sign Brighton goalkeeper

According to David Ornstein with The Athletic, Chelsea are close to finalizing an agreement to acquire Brighton’s Spanish goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez. Despite the player already agreeing to join The Blues from Brighton in recent days, both clubs have been negotiating the transfer fee for the talented Spanish star. According to Fabrizio Romano, the entire deal package is worth up to £25m (£20m + 5m with add ons), and has also given his iconic ‘here we go.’ Medicals to take place immediately.

CFC are believed to view the 25-year-old goalkeeper as potential competition for their current No. 1, Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Blues have been searching for a new goalkeeper since they sold Edouard Mendy to Al-Ahli earlier in the transfer window, leaving Arrizabalaga as the only option. The player has already agreed to the move and is eager to leave Brighton, considering Chelsea as the ideal destination to advance his career after falling out of favor at the Amex. The West London club has maintained their interest in the player throughout the summer, especially as Mauricio Pochettino’s side has been looking for a new star goalkeeper.

After impressing at Brighton, Sanchez experienced a falling out with Roberto de Zerbi, leading to a decrease in his playing time for the South Coast club. Despite his recent dip in form, throughout his tenure at Brighton, Sanchez has displayed remarkable potential, earning admiration for his shot-stopping skills and authoritative presence as a goalkeeper.

Chelsea on the verge of signing Robert Sanchez
Despite losing his starting position last season, he has consistently showcased his talent and potential, making him a promising and skilled goalkeeper. As a result, several Premier League teams, including Manchester United, expressed interest in signing him during the early stages of the transfer window. Towards the end of the last season, Sanchez lost his position as Brighton’s No. 1 goalkeeper to Jason Steele and witnessed the arrival of Dutchman Bart Verbruggen this summer. Due to ongoing issues with manager De Zerbi, Sanchez has been training with Brighton’s under-18s instead of the first team.

Even though he was born in Spain and has been capped twice by their national team, Sanchez is considered homegrown because he has been nurtured through Brighton’s academy since the age of 15. Interestingly, before receiving his call-up to the Spanish national team, he was also pursued by England.

At Stamford Bridge, the 25-year-old enjoys the support of his former Brighton mentor, Ben Roberts, who now leads Chelsea’s goalkeeping department. Additionally, the new head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, has given his blessing for Sanchez’s potential move to West London