Chelsea have been heavily linked with several goalkeepers this summer, but Mauricio Pochettino appears to have finally found his man for the job
Sanchez, who sees his contract on the south coast expire in 2025, featured 25 times for the Seagulls in the Premier League last term, keeping six clean sheets. Despite his impressive performances in the first half of the campaign, he was replaced by Jason Steele for the remainder of the season after a 1-0 defeat to Fulham in February.
Since losing his place in the starting lineup, the Spain international has struggled to force himself back into De Zerbi's plans. With Sanchez seemingly second choice and Mauricio Pochettino eager to find competition for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Chelsea launched a bid.
A bid which has been accepted, football.london understands. It's believed that Brighton have agreed a £25million offer from the Blues, including an undisclosed sell-on clause.
While some Chelsea fans may be unsure as to whether Sanchez is capable of leading the west Londoners back into the Premier League title race, Casillas has previously given his fellow countryman his stamp of approval. In February 2021, the Seagulls shot-stopper revealed on Spanish radio how he received a heartwarming message from the Real Madrid legend.
"He heard the little interview and said he was really happy for me and what I am doing," said Sanchez. "Obviously, I said thank you to him for being the way he was and making me dream of becoming what he was.
"He said thank you so much for taking me as an example. He was happy and hopefully one day I get to see him in person. I just like the saves he used to pull off, the unbelievable moments he had in big games. It just made him different class."
"I can understand him. He has to understand me and he has to understand his coach. But sincerely there isn’t a problem. I decided to play with Jason not because I don’t like Robert, because Robert is a top goalkeeper.
"But I am a coach. I have to decide something and I have to decide before the game. You can speak after the game and I think it is easier for you.
"I took the decision to continue with Jason, only this, and it is my right. If I have something to say I always prefer to speak face to face with my players, not by journalists, not by press conference."
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