Arsenal are now considering a move to sign Robert Sanchez from Brighton – a player Chelsea have just decided to make a serious push for.
That is according to 90min.
So, what is the latest on Chelsea target Robert Sanchez? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, Mauricio Pochettino is keen to sign competition for Kepa Arrizabalaga after losing Edouard Mendy to Al-Ahli.
Chelsea – according to Nizaar Kinsella – have now earmarked Sanchez as their No.1 target for that position, after the Spain international fell out of favour under Roberto De Zerbi.
The Daily Mail believe Brighton’s No.1 has agreed to join Chelsea after slipping behind Jason Steele and Bart Verbruggen in the pecking order, although the Blues still need to agree a fee with the Seagulls.
Now – however – discussions over a price are likely to become even harder, as Arsenal enter the race to sign Sanchez.
90min believe the Gunners are focused on signing David Raya from Brentford, although the £40m valuation is deemed to be too expensive by those at the Emirates Stadium.
As a result, Arsenal have made contact with Brighton to ask about Sanchez as the north Londoners begin to explore alternatives.
Chelsea have one advantage over Arsenal in Robert Sanchez battle
While Arsenal can offer Sanchez Champions League football next season, Chelsea have something the Gunners do not.
Ben Roberts – Chelsea’s Goalkeeping Coach – is said to have pushed hard for a reunion with the Spaniard at Chelsea, and the pair boast a very strong relationship.
In fact, Sanchez even mentioned Roberts specifically after Graham Potter took him and a number of other staff members away from Brighton last season.
The Argus quote the Brighton glovesman as saying: “I want to say thanks to Ben, Graham, Bruno, Billy and Bjorn for all you have done for me. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to become who I am today and a special thank you to Ben for being there in the good and bad moments for the last seven years.”
Additionally, the aforementioned story from the Daily Mail mentioned that Sanchez put his mental strength down to the influence of Roberts – clearly, there is a strong connection there.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Chelsea and Arsenal compete for the 25-year-old’s signature.
