Robert Sanchez backed to be Chelsea number one with £20 million backup eyed
Chelsea trust Robert Sanchez to be the number one in between the sticks in the 2023/24 term after the departure of Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to the Evening Standard.
The former Athletic Bilbao shot-stopper signed for Real Madrid on loan this summer. Prior to the Spaniard’s departure, Edouard Mendy also parted ways with the Stamford Bridge side and moved to Saudi Arabia.
Subsequently, the West London club added Sanchez to their ranks from Brighton & Hove Albion to bolster the goalkeeping ranks. We paid £25 million to acquire the services of the Spain international from the Seagulls.
However, with Kepa leaving, Chelsea are once again in a vulnerable position in between the sticks. The 25-year-old former Brighton star is arguably the only established shot-stopper at Mauricio Pochettino’s disposal.
Sanchez started in our first game of the new season against Liverpool at home. The goalkeeper put in a solid display. However, with Marcus Bettinelli out injured, youngster Lucas Bergstrom was on the bench.
Therefore, it is understandable that the Blues are looking to reinforce the squad with another goalkeeper. But a move for a top-level shot-stopper has been ruled out for now. Instead, the Stamford Bridge side have set aside a £20 million budget for a young number two.
It remains to be seen who the Stamford Bridge side will end up signing. However, as things stand, we arguably need a deputy goalkeeper in our ranks. Fitness issues can crop up at any time and it would be wise to plan ahead.
Sanchez has spent a number of years in the Premier League and has enough experience. However, in the previous campaign at Brighton, the shot-stopper had lost his place to Jason Steele under Roberto De Zerbi.
Therefore, it will be interesting to see whether the Spaniard will be able to live up to the demands at Chelsea. Hopefully, Pochettino will be able to bring the best out of the goalkeeper once again at the West London club.