Chelsea make ‘final decision’ on replacing Robert Sanchez in January
Chelsea reportedly do not intend on bringing in another new goalkeeper in the January transfer window, despite questions being raised about Robert Sanchez. The Spaniard was signed from Brighton over the summer but failed to impress with several shaky displays.
The Blues splashed the cash over the summer, taking Todd Boehly’s total spending to over £1 billion since he arrived at Stamford Bridge. Significant fees were forked out on the likes of Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia in the hope of building a strong core in midfield.
Chelsea were also forked to reshuffle their goalkeeping department after Edouard Mendy left the club to join Al Ahli. Sanchez was signed from Brighton for approximately £25milliion, with Djordje Petrovic also brought in from New England as an alternative option between the sticks – which allowed Kepa Arrizabalaga to leave on loan.
Sanchez has started every game for Chelsea since joining the club, though questions have been raised about his ability and reports have suggested that Mauricio Pochettino could push for a new No 1 to be pursued in January.
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However, The Athletic report that Chelsea are, in fact, happy with their two goalkeeper options and are unlikely to pursue a third shot-stopper for ‘the time being’ as they have the utmost confidence in their current duo.
It remains to be seen whether the faith in Sanchez is repaid, with Pochettino publicly praising the former Brighton star and explaining that the 25-year-old will continue to improve. Speaking earlier this month, the ex-Tottenham boss said: “I’m really happy with his (Sanchez’s) attitude and commitment. He is going to be great. He only arrived at the last moment, the other keeper went to Madrid, he played in two or three training sessions and then straight in.
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“We need to give him time to adapt, it is not the same playing for another team as it is at Chelsea where there is pressure to win.” However, not everyone is entirely confident that the former Forest Green loanee is capable of being the Blues’ first-choice goalkeeper if the club are looking to push for silverware.
Among Sanchez’ critics is Glen Johnson, who recently told Betfred: “I think Sanchez is good enough to play at this level, but I don’t believe he’s good enough to play for a Premier League title-winning team. Ninety-nine per cent of teams that win the Premier League have a world-class goalkeeper between the sticks because it always comes down to fine, fine margins and you need a goalkeeper that’s good enough to bail you out. Robert’s certainly a good Premier League goalkeeper, but title-winning teams always have a world-class goalkeeper and I don’t believe Robert is in that bracket just now.”
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