Chelsea agree deal to sign No.1 transfer target from Brighton

Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Robert Sanchez from Brighton as they look to find a new no.1 between the posts at Stamford Bridge.

The west London side sold Edouard Mendy to Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli earlier in the summer window, and have been on the lookout for a player to come and provide cover and competition to Kepa Arrizabalaga, who is likely to start the season as Mauricio Pochettino’s first choice goalkeeper.

They had been keen on several options, including Andre Onana, only to be priced out of a move by Inter Milan and the Cameroonian eventually ending up at Old Trafford.

Now, in what is becoming typical fashion, they have once again turned to Brighton for the answer to their problem. As per the Athletic, the Blues have agreed a deal for 25-year-old goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who was frozen out of Roberto De Zerbi’s squad last season in favour of the more experienced Jason Steele.

The deal for the Spaniard is expected to cost the club £20m, and could rise to £25m with add ons should he succeed at Stamford Bridge.

Sanchez is ‘now expected undergo a medical imminently’ ahead of becoming a Chelsea player, and will be the side’s fifth signing of the summer.

Pochettino’s side remain keen on Sanchez’s teammate Moises Caicedo, but are yet to agree a deal for the Ecuadorian star. The Blues have seen four bids, most recently one worth £80m, turned down by the Seagulls.

It is believed that the south coast side are holding out for a fee in the region of £100m, with the club pointing to Arsenal’s record move for Declan Rice as a benchmark for any fee they recoup for Caicedo, who they view as just as good.

Now, Chelsea’s chances appear to have been further clouded as another club have been reported to table a bid, though that too fell short of the valuation and was rejected immediately.

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