Chelsea prepare £20m keeper signing as Robert Sanchez immediately learns place in ideal pecking order

Chelsea want to sign another goalkeeper to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga despite already bringing in Robert Sanchez this summer, a report has revealed.

After the sale of Edouard Mendy to Al-Ahli and Kepa’s loan move to Real Madrid, Chelsea have depleted their options in the goalkeeping department. So far, their only signing for the role this summer has been Sanchez from Brighton.

Sanchez started their Premier League opener against Liverpool, but will soon face fresh competition for his place if Chelsea’s plan comes off.

According to the Evening Standard, they want to reinforce by adding a replacement for Arrizabalaga. However, their plan is for the new addition to be a backup option, which means Sanchez has earned the regular starting berth already.

Even though Chelsea’s next goalkeeper signing will merely be a deputy, the report claims they are still willing to spend up to £20m on him. Exactly who it will be remains a mystery.

Because of their faith in Sanchez, Chelsea have had to rule out previous targets like Gregor Kobel from Borussia Dortmund and Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia. Either of those would have come in with ambitions of being the No.1.

Now, Chelsea need to find options who would be happy to play a supporting role. Doing so would also enable them to loan out Lucas Bergstrom as he desires, after the 20-year-old was drafted onto the bench against Liverpool.

Marcus Bettinelli is also on the books as a keeper for Chelsea, but was third choice last season and is currently injured.

Chelsea set to confirm keeper pairing for long term

Next year, Kepa is due to return from his loan spell with Real Madrid, who do not have the option to buy him. Nevertheless, he has hinted he wants to convince them to make his move permanent.

The 28-year-old has gone to Madrid to replace another ex-Chelsea goalkeeper in the shape of Thibaut Courtois, who is out for the long term with an injury.

Even if Kepa can’t complete a permanent move to Madrid, his future will be up for question next summer, when there will only be one year remaining on his contract.

Therefore, there is every chance that by then, Chelsea will be ready to move forward with Sanchez and a second new goalkeeper signed this summer.

Kepa left Chelsea after 163 appearances following his 2018 move from Athletic Club, which remains the record goalkeeper transfer of all time.

Sanchez, meanwhile, has signed a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2030. At the age of 25, he looks likely to have Chelsea’s trust for the duration of what should be some of the best years of his career.

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