Chelsea have entered talks with Brighton about signing goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, according to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Italian reporter claims that “negotiations” are underway as the Blues look to secure the services of the 25-year-old shot-stopper:

.@Inter and @ChelseaFC expected to hold a meeting soon: talks will mainly regard Romelu #Lukaku and Kalidou #Koulibaly, but also the likes of #Onana, #Chalobah and #LoftusCheek. 🔵 #CFC #Interhttps://t.co/hqmO0XkGUT

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) June 12, 2023

It is believed that Sanchez may be Chelsea’s main alternative if the London club can’t agree a fee for Inter Milan’s Andre Onana. The Nerazzurri are expected to hold out for around €60m (£51.6m) to sell the Cameroon international.

Sanchez has fallen out of favour at Brighton

The Spaniard is a highly regarded keeper, having been capped twice by his country at senior level. In addition to Chelsea, Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in him.

However, since Brighton appointed Roberto De Zerbi as manager, Sanchez’s game time has been dramatically reduced. After losing his place in March, he made just one more league appearance, which was coincidentally against Chelsea in mid-April.

Jason Steele is now the de-facto number one, which seemingly hasn’t gone down too well with Sanchez.

Absence from the matchday squad and De Zerbi’s remarks

Sanchez was not even on the bench for Brighton’s final five matches and, asked about the player’s situation following his absence for the Arsenal game in May, De Zerbi said:

“He decided everything. Robert [Sanchez] decided everything at the moment. He wanted it this way (not travelling to be on the bench). Not me, not the club. We spoke before the Arsenal game and we decided together the best solution was to stay home… Yes, yes, but with Robert I have no problem. I decided to play with Jason [Steele], not because I don’t like Robert, because Robert is a top keeper, but I’m a coach, I have to decide and I have to decide before the game. You can speak after the game, it’s easier for you, but I am the coach, I have to take the decision before the game. I took the decision to continue with Jason, only this. That is my right.”

It does appear as if Sanchez is trying to force through a move away from the Amex Stadium so he can be a regular starter once again. Whether that will end up with him making the switch to Chelsea, we shall have to wait and see.