Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has agreed to join as the Blues ramp up their pursuit of the Spaniard, though a deal could still be complicated to complete.
Following the departure of , is keen to bring in a new shot-stopper to act as cover and competition for Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Although there have been significant doubts over the record £71.6million signing since his move from Athletic Bilbao, he has impressed the new manager in .
Pochettino is happy to go into the new season with Kepa as his number one but wants a higher-quality understudy and .
The 25-year-old fell out of favour at Brighton last season under Roberto De Zerbi, losing his place to Jason Steele, and is now considered surplus to requirements with the Seagulls having signed Bart Verbruggen.
Although he would not be assured of a starting role at Stamford Bridge, are reporting that Sanchez has already agreed to join Chelsea and has given the move the green light.
Former Brighton goalkeeper coach Ben Roberts is now at Chelsea and played a big role in Sanchez’s development, while he is believed to have recommended him to the Blues’ recruitment team.
Sanchez is an ideal number two for Chelsea as he counts as a homegrown player, having come through Brighton’s academy after leaving Spain at the age of 15, though he could cost as much as £30m despite falling down the pecking order.
He was actually promoted into the first team by former Chelsea boss Graham Potter, who wanted to bring his better ball-playing skills into the side, though his passing was later deemed not good enough by De Zerbi.
Chelsea’s deal for Sanchez is complicated by the tense relationship between the two clubs at present, with the sides at loggerheads over both Levi Colwill and Moises Caicedo.
The west Londoners have so far baulked at Brighton’s £100m asking price for Caicedo while Chelsea are refusing to entertain the possibility of selling Colwill to the Seagulls, who have had two bids – one of which was a club-record fee – rejected.
Although Pochettino wants to sign Sanchez, he has spoken glowingly about Kepa recently, saying: ‘We are so happy with him.
‘He is showing great commitment in adapting to new demands from [goalkeeper] Toni [Jimenez], from the coaching staff, and the goalkeeping coach, him and Hilario are working. We are so happy with him and he is a fantastic keeper.’
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