 Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has agreed to join Chelsea as the Blues ramp up their pursuit of the Spaniard, though a deal could still be complicated to complete. Chelsea news, exclusives and analysis Sign up Privacy Policy Following the departure of Edouard Mendy, Mauricio Pochettino is keen to bring in a new shot-stopper to act as cover and competition for Kepa Arrizabalaga. Although there have been significant doubts over the record £71.6million signing since his move from Athletic Bilbao, he has impressed the new manager in pre-season. Pochettino is happy to go into the new season with Kepa as his number one but wants a higher-quality understudy and has set his sights on Sanchez. The 25-year-old fell out of favour at Brighton last season under Roberto De Zerbi, losing his place to Jason Steele, and is now considered surplus to requirements with the Seagulls having signed Bart Verbruggen. Although he would not be assured of a starting role at Stamford Bridge, the Daily Mail are reporting that Sanchez has already agreed to join Chelsea and has given the move the green light. Former Brighton goalkeeper coach Ben Roberts is now at Chelsea and played a big role in Sanchez's development, while he is believed to have recommended him to the Blues' recruitment team. Sanchez, left, and Kepa, centre, in training with Spain (Picture: Getty) Sanchez is an ideal number two for Chelsea as he counts as a homegrown player, having come through Brighton's academy after leaving Spain at the age of 15, though he could cost as much as £30m despite falling down the pecking order. He was actually promoted into the first team by former Chelsea boss Graham Potter, who wanted to bring his better ball-playing skills into the side, though his passing was later deemed not good enough by De Zerbi. Chelsea's deal for Sanchez is complicated by the tense relationship between the two clubs at present, wi){kind=link}
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Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has agreed to join Chelsea as the Blues ramp up their pursuit of the Spaniard, though a deal could still be complicated to complete.
Chelsea news, exclusives and analysis
Following the departure of Edouard Mendy, Mauricio Pochettino is keen to bring in a new shot-stopper to act as cover and competition for Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Although there have been significant doubts over the record £71.6million signing since his move from Athletic Bilbao, he has impressed the new manager in pre-season.