The Mirror said that shortly after Mauricio Pochettino took over, the new Chelsea manager wasn’t particularly pleased with his goalkeeping alternatives.
As a result, Edouard Mendy was swiftly fired. In a £16 million move, the Senegalese player joined Saudi Arabian team Al Ahli.
Kepa Arizzabalaga was left as the uncontested No. 1, but it was desired to replace him with a player who would offer fierce competition.
Chelsea had an interest in Andre Onana but did not take any action. Instead, the Blues spotted Robert Sanchez of Brighton as a far more accessible opportunity.
Under Roberto De Zerbi, the 25-year-old international from Spain started to lose favor towards the close of the previous campaign. Sanchez willingly withdrew himself from consideration for selection for many games in favor of Jason Steel.
Bart Verbruggen’s appearance was just another sign that Sanchez’s time at the AMEX was up. As a result, the Daily Mail’s claim that Sanchez had verbally agreed to join Chelsea earlier this week did not come as a surprise.
Brighton and Chelsea have officially started talking, and according to Fabrizio Romano and the Athletic, a deal has been reached.
Chelsea will give Brighton an initial payment of £20 million, with the potential for add-ons to raise that amount to £25 million.
According to Romano, a “long-term” contract has been reached, and the dependable journalist gave the action his familiar “here we go” approval.
According to reports, Sanchez will get checked out ‘imminently. As a result, his arrival might be publicly announced sometime in the following 24 to 48 hours.
Loan exit awaits Gabriel Slonina
Gabriel Slonina will now be permitted to go on loan as Sanchez is on the way.
The 19-year-old USA international just competed in his first game for Chelsea, winning 2-0 over Fulham in a friendly.
Slonina, though, “will now leave on loan,” says Romano.
The rising youngster’s future destination is still unknown.