Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has reportedly emerged as Chelsea’s priority target as a replacement for out-of-favour Edouard Mendy.
According to journalist Simon Phillips (via GIVE ME SPORT), Brighton shot-stopper Robert Sanchez has become Chelsea’s priority target to replace out-of-favour goalkeeper Edouard Mendy in the summer transfer window. The Spanish international is also a target for Premier League bigwigs Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur recently.
Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is enduring a rough 2022–23 season for both club and country, recently making a high-profile error in Senegal’s defeat at the hands of the Netherlands. His struggle for fitness and form at the start of the season saw him lose his number one spot to Spanish shot-stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has been impressive between the sticks and has looked reborn.
But the former Athletic Bilbao ace suffered an injury of his own heading into the World Cup break, forcing Potter to hand Mendy a recall. With Mendy’s form looking unconvincing recently and his contract situation also up in the air after the 30-year-old turned down an extension earlier this year, Chelsea could look to save the headache and are ready to listen to offers for the Senegal international.
As such, Chelsea have already started exploring the market for a new goalkeeper and have identified Brighton’s No. 1 Sanchez as a suitable replacement for the underperforming Senegalese goalkeeper at Stamford Bridge.
And while recent reports have suggested that the Blues are interested in a move for Everton custodian Jordan Pickford and are keeping a close eye on the England international’s performances over in Qatar, Sanchez remains Potter’s top target to replace Mendy, according to Phillips, who has attributed the preference down to the Chelsea head coach’s positive working relationship with the Spanish keeper at Brighton.
A product of the Seagulls’ academy ranks, Sanchez has gone from strength to strength ever since taking over Mat Ryan’s first-choice position after a couple of developmental loan spells in the lower leagues.
Aside from being an exceptional reflex stopper, Sanchez provides depth and assistance to teammates in possession, as well as the ability to play passes of any range off either foot. He plays a leading role in the build-up play with his short passes. His proactive approach and willingness to play off his line, sweeping up behind a high back three or four, or scooping crosses from the air, make him a modern-day goalkeeper.
He has proven himself as one of the best keepers in the Premier League over the last 18 months or so and has turned into one of the finest ball-playing young shot-stoppers around under the tutelage of now Chelsea manager.
Potter may look to bring Sanchez to Stamford Bridge. However, any such move is sure to hit Chelsea hard in the pocket. The Seagulls have shown a willingness to cash in on their top stars before. But, as seen in the case of Marc Cucurella’s move over the summer, any sale will be on their terms, especially when they have Sanchez tied down until the summer of 2025.
