Chelsea target ANOTHER Brighton star after Caicedo transfer struggles
Cameron Smith
- 31 Jul 2023 14:08 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea have made Brighton & Hove Albion star Robert Sanchez their number one goalkeeper target this summer, according to reports, despite the club’s struggles with signing Moises Caicedo.
Caicedo, 21, has been Chelsea’s primary transfer target all window, but they have been unable to agree a fee with Brighton, with the Seagulls refusing to lower their €115 million asking price.
Chelsea reacted by advancing in talks with Stade Rennais over midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu, and the Frenchman is expected to be officially unveiled shortly. According to the Evening Standard’s Nizaar Kinsella, Ugochukwu has already flown out to the USA to link up with the Blues squad.
MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals
However, Caicedo remains on Chelsea’s radar, in spite of Brighton’s fixed negotiating position.
Furthermore, they are now set to pursue another Seagulls player after identifying Sanchez as the front-running candidate to compete with Kepa Arrizabalaga for the number one spot.
Kinsella has reported that Sanchez is now seen as Chelsea’s first-choice target, with the Spaniard expected to arrive as a back-up option before challenging Kepa in the race to become Mauricio Pochettino’s preferred option.
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Chelsea want Sanchez
While Brighton are determined to keep hold of Caicedo this summer, their stance is likely to be very dissimilar with Sanchez. The Spaniard lost his place to Jason Steele last season, with Roberto De Zerbi citing Steele’s ability in possession as the reason for the change.
Furthermore, Brighton have signed talented goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen from Anderlecht this summer, meaning Sanchez may well be the third-choice ‘keeper at the AMEX Stadium if he stays.
However, Chelsea believe he would be an able back-up to Kepa following the sale of Edouard Mendy to Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ahli.
But, it will mean opening fresh negotiations with Brighton, a club that Chelsea have dealt with a lot over the past year and with varying degrees of success.
