Chelsea have confirmed that they have signed goalkeeper Robert Sanchez from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Throughout July and into August, Chelsea have been locked in discussions with their Seagulls counterparts over a potential deal for midfielder Moises Caicedo.
However, at a time when that transfer looks increasingly likely not to materialise, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have moved to secure Mauricio Pochettino the experienced competition between the sticks that he had been craving.
Although the likes of Gabriel Slonina, Jamie Cumming and Lucas Bergstrom did their first-team chances no harm during Chelsea's recent tour of the USA, Pochettino is known to have wanted senior backup to Kepa Arrizabalaga.
That has been achieved with the acquisition of his Spanish compatriot Sanchez, who arrives at Stamford Bridge to take the place of Edouard Mendy.
© Reuters
The 25-year-old has agreed a seven-year contract with Chelsea and is now in line to be selected on the substitutes' bench for the Premier League opener with Liverpool on August 13.
Speaking to the club's official website, co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart said: "We're very pleased to welcome Robert to Chelsea and he adds further quality to our goalkeeping unit.
"Robert has repeatedly proved himself in the Premier League and been capped by his country. We are excited to watch him work with Mauricio and his coaching team during the season ahead."
While a transfer fee has not been revealed by Chelsea, it has been widely alleged that they are paying Brighton a fee of £20m plus £5m in add-ons.
© Reuters
Sanchez brings a decade-long stay at the Amex Stadium to an end, initially spending time in the academy setup and loan spells elsewhere before becoming the club's number one.
In total, the Spain international made 90 appearances for Brighton, with all but three of them coming in the Premier League, but he lost his place to Jason Steele for the final three months of 2022-23.
Brighton have also since signed Bart Verbruggen to compete with Steele, leaving both Sanchez and the South Coast outfit happy to go their separate ways.
Chelsea have now made seven signings this summer, although some of those additions are being considered for loan periods elsewhere.
Darren Plant
