According to Evening Standard, Chelsea are prepared to promote Robert Sanchez as their new first-choice goalkeeper, taking over the role following Kepa Arrizabalaga’s departure.
Chelsea have kept a budget of £20 million for signing a new back-up keeper. This week, Kepa finalized a loan move to Real Madrid as a stand-in for the injured Thibaut Courtois.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino has chosen to entrust new signing Sanchez, acquired for £25 million, as the preferred first-choice goalkeeper for the ongoing season.
Chelsea have opted not to pursue a high-profile goalkeeper and instead aims to secure a young backup option. This decision is influenced by their confidence in the former Brighton star, who was initially brought in to compete with Kepa for the starting position.
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The urgency to secure a new goalkeeper for Chelsea is heightened due to an injury affecting third-choice option Marcus Bettinelli. Lucas Bergstrom was present on the bench during Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Liverpool.
Despite his inclusion, he is not yet deemed fully prepared for first-team action and has expressed a desire to embark on another loan spell during this season.
Due to Chelsea’s restricted financial resources for acquiring a new goalkeeper, the possibility of securing previous targets Gregor Kobel and Giorgi Mamardashvili appears unlikely.
Both Kobel and Mamardashvili are likely to seek a role as the first-choice goalkeeper rather than backup options.
The Blues are nearing the signing of Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, who has successfully undergone a medical test prior to a £58 million move to Stamford Bridge.
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Furthermore, negotiations are underway to secure the services of Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, with Chelsea activating a £35 million release clause in his contract.
