Chelsea consider five goalkeeper targets after Robert Sanchez error-strewn display vs Fulham
Chelsea are exploring potential replacements for goalkeeper Robert Sanchez after he was blamed for both of Fulham’s goals in Monday’s match, with fans and commentators again questioning his place in the starting lineup.
Supporters have voiced concern that the club could struggle with Sanchez in goal, and some are saying Chelsea will win nothing with him between the posts; those reactions have intensified calls for the club to move in the transfer market before the window closes. The report notes that if Sanchez produces similar performances as the season progresses, Chelsea will need a reliable goalkeeper and that fans are hopeful the club will enter the market.
Marco Carnesecchi has been linked with Chelsea around the time Xabi Alonso was appointed and was reportedly on the new manager’s shortlist, but the Blues have yet to make a bid. Carnesecchi was Atalanta’s player of the year last season, and Bayern Munich are thought to be interested; sources in Italy say Atalanta would demand a large sum to even consider offers, which could deter Chelsea.
Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen is described as feeling a step behind Kobel and Costa and has recorded 27 clean sheets in 107 Brighton appearances. The 24-year-old stopped 70% of the shots he faced last season, a tally the article highlights while noting Brighton will almost certainly demand a high transfer fee.
Diogo Costa of FC Porto is presented as a shot-stopper Chelsea fans would favour, having stopped 80% of the shots he faced last season and saved all seven shots on goal this season. The piece adds that Costa has outstanding footwork, exudes a sense of calmness that Robert Sanchez lacks, and possesses an excellent penalty-saving record.
Emiliano Martinez, aged 33, is framed as a potential short-term option who would bring Premier League experience and senior leadership to the dressing room. The report says Martinez was dropped from the Aston Villa team with Marco Bizot starting and recruit Zion Suzuki on the bench, implying his time in Birmingham may be ending, and suggests he might be available for a relatively low fee.
Gregor Kobel of Borussia Dortmund has been previously linked with Chelsea and won the Bundesliga golden glove last campaign by keeping 15 clean sheets in 34 games. The article reports Dortmund would be reluctant to let their first-choice goalkeeper leave close to the deadline but that Kobel’s two years remaining on his contract could persuade the club to cash in; he is listed as 28 years old.
The report concludes that Chelsea have not yet begun formal negotiations for a replacement, but if Sanchez’s performances do not improve the club will have to consider the transfer market before the window shuts.