Chelsea have turned their attentions from Italy to Brighton, and are lining up a move for Robert Sanchez, according to reports.
The Blues have been linked with a number of goalkeeping targets this summer, notably AC Milan’s Mike Maignan and Inter’s Andre Onana, as well as Leeds’ Illan Meslier as they look to strengthen between the sticks.
However, the Blues have come into reported obstacles with Maignan, who is reportedly uninterested in a move, and in addition to other targets appear to have switched their focus to the Seagulls’ Spanish stopper.
Sanchez lost his place in the first team at the tail end of the campaign, replaced by Jason Steele, after Roberto Di Zerbi claimed he wanted to stay at home rather than feature on the bench.
Sanchez’s antics at the Amex Stadium, however, do not seem to have deterred the Blues’ interest, as they now look to bring him to Stamford Bridge in a bid to replace the likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy.
Robert Sanchez is reportedly of interest to Chelsea as they look to reinforce between the sticks
Mauricio Pochettino is expected to oversee a squad overhaul once he takes charge this summer
Kepa Arrizabalaga’s future at Stamford Bridge is believed to be under threat this summer
The world’s most expensive goalkeeper took the No 1 shirt with Mendy out the side last season, but this is not thought to be a permanent development for the Spaniard at the club.
Sky Italy reports that Chelsea are monitoring Sanchez’s situation, with Brighton thought to be willing to let the Spaniard leave this summer.
The 25-year-old still has two years left on his contract, although waiting another year could run the risk of the stopper leaving for free after 2024.
The Blues have already reportedly arranged talks with Onana, and are exploring the possibility of a swap deal that could see the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly and Romelu Lukaku move in the other direction.
Inter are thought to value the Cameroonian stopper at around £49.6million, and are believed to be open to a sale that would help them balance their books.
Milan’s Maignan is also believed to be of interest, although his willingness to make a move has reportedly waned as a result of Chelsea’s failure to qualify for any European competitions.
Roberto Di Zerbi claimed Sanchez asked not to be in the squad for a Premier League match
Mike Maignan is reportedly uninterested in a move to Chelsea in the coming transfer window
Beaten Champions League finalist Andre Onana is also believed to be on the Blues’ radar
The Frenchman was outperformed by Onana in 2022-23, with the Inter keeper keeping as many clean sheets in Serie A (eight), as well as six more than Maignan’s tally (two) in the Champions League, and another three across Italy’s two cup competitions.
With Mauricio Pochettino expected to oversee a squad overhaul this summer, at least one of Arrizabalaga and Mendy are expected to be moved on, alongside a number of their team-mates.
Sanchez had been Brighton’s first choice between the sticks until early March, before losing his spot to Steele, and has since been relegated to FA Cup starts and providing injury cover for the former Sunderland player.
In his absence, Brighton secured Europa League qualification with a sixth-placed finish despite losing to Aston Villa on the final day of the season.
Soucre: dailymail.co.uk
