Robert Sanchez looking to retain his position at Chelsea
Chelsea custodian Robert Sanchez wants to serve the club as the first-choice goalkeeper for a long time. The West London club has currently entered the transfer market for a goalkeeper and has been linked with several players. Sanchez has been included in the pre-season squad for Chelsea by coach Enzo Maresca, per Metro.
The Spanish shot-stopper joined Chelsea last summer following his stint with Brighton. Despite signing alongside Djordje Petrovic, Sanchez earned his spot as the first-choice goalkeeper for the club. He played 19 games across all competitions for the Blues, earning just five clean sheets. His underwhelming performance has affected the team’s overall performance.
Sanchez lost his spot in the squad after sustaining a knee injury last December. Serbian keeper Petrovic took over the number-one position but also failed to impress at the West London club. Chelsea’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, was not impressed with their performances last season, prompting the club to enter the transfer market for a new shot-stopper.
However, the 26-year-old Sanchez remains confident he can continue as the first-choice goalkeeper despite the transfer speculation (h/t Metro).
“I am training hard to get that position. I’ll get some minutes and we’ll go from there, I always think playing with my feet is my game. I feel really comfortable with what [Maresca] wants. He has explained what he wants from me and I’ve been doing it in training, and it’s looking really good at the moment. I know what I can bring to the team. I am positive. It’s a totally different [style]. The goalkeeper here needs to “have a pair” and show a bit of personality. I think I am the right guy for that. Right now, I’m feeling really confident in training. It’s looking good. It’s about just being a bit different to what a normal goalkeeper is like, you need to have a bit of arrogance, hold the ball, show a bit, and like I said ‘have a pair’ and show a bit of quality.”
Chelsea to sign new goalkeeper
Sanchez has been included in the pre-season squad and will feature as the first-choice custodian in the pre-season games. If he impresses Maresca during the pre-season tour, he may secure his future at the club. Chelsea are also planning to offload Petrovic this summer, and he has not been included in the pre-season squad. The Serbian shot-stopper has been linked with multiple clubs as Chelsea looks to free up space for a new goalkeeper ahead of the new campaign.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has also returned to the West London club after completing a year-long loan stint with European champions Real Madrid.
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According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have reached an agreement on personal terms with Filip Jorgensen, with further proceedings expected in the coming days. If Chelsea signs the 22-year-old custodian from Villarreal, Maresca may replace Sanchez in goal for the upcoming season.
