CHELSEA have reached an agreement with Brighton for goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
The Spaniard, who will count towards the club’s homegrown quota, will provide competition for Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Blues were keen to bring in additional competition for Kepa after Edouard Mendy left for Saudi side Al-Ahli in June.
Now, according to David Ornstein, a medical is set to take place “imminently” after a deal was reached between the two clubs.
Chelsea will pay an initial £20million fee plus £5m in performance related add-ons.
Blues goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts is a big fan of Sanchez having worked with him at Brighton previously.
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Sanchez had established himself firmly as Brighton’s number one goalkeeper under Graham Potter.
But, after the arrival of Roberto De Zerbi, Sanchez found himself falling down the pecking order.
He was replaced as Brighton’s number one by Jason Steele in March.
Brighton have since added Dutch Under-21 goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen this summer from Anderlecht for £16.3 million, forcing Sanchez further down the pecking order.
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He was left out of Brighton’s pre-season tour of the US as the club focused on finding a move for the goalkeeper.
Meanwhile Brighton and Chelsea remain locked in talks over the signing of Moises Caicedo.
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is desperate to add quality and experience to his midfield after losing Matteo Kovacic, Mason Mount and Kai Havertz this summer.
Chelsea have so far had two bids rejected for the midfielder this summer – with their latest being £80m.
Brighton are insisting on a £100m fee to make the deal happen.
And Chelsea could miss out with the Seagulls reportedly receiving a bid from another club on Wednesday.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
