Official: Chelsea confirm sixth summer signing

The Blues continue to spend ahead of the new season

August 05, 2023 at 9:45 am GMT+1

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Robert Sanchez from Brighton, with the Spanish goalkeeper signing a seven-year contract 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.

Now, they have found it in the form of 25-year-old Sanchez, who is thought to have cost around £25m. The Spaniard appeared 90 times for Brighton, keeping 29 clean sheets in the process, but fell out of favour with Roberto De Zerbi and was frozen out of the Seagulls squad for the second half of last season, with 32-year-old Englishman Jason Steele taking his place.

Robert Sanchez of Brighton during the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Leicester City at the American Express Stadium , Brighton , UK - 4th September 2022 Editorial use only. No merchandising. For Football images FA and Premier L 2JWD0PD Robert Sanchez of Brighton during the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Leicester City at the American Express Stadium , Brighton , UK - 4th September 2022 Editorial use only. No merchandising. For Football images FA and Premier League restrictions apply inc. no internet/mobile usage without FAPL license - for details contact Football Dataco (Alamy Stock Photo)

He becomes Chelsea’s fifth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson to bolster their frontline, as well as Monaco defender Axel Disasi. They have also signed young talents Angelo and Lesley Ugochukwu, but the pair are expected to be loaned out to feeder side Strasbourg for the upcoming campaign.

They are far from done, however.

Caicedo next?

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.

Brighton and Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo reacts during the Emirates FA Cup semi-final match at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Sunday April 23, 2023. 2PWB4R4 Brighton and Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo reacts during the Emirates FA Cup semi-final match at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Sunday April 23, 2023. (Alamy Stock Photo)

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.

They are beginning to eye up alternatives as it seems increasingly likely that Caicedo will remain a Brighton player, while Pochettino’s side have also seen a bid rejected for 20-year-old striker Elye Wahi.