Chelsea are set to lock horns with Manchester United for the signing of Brighton star Robert Sanchez. Graham Potter and Erik ten Hag are both said to be in the market for a new goalkeeper in the January transfer window, with Edouard Mendy, Kepa Arrizabalaga and David de Gea believed to respectively be surplus to requirements.
Sanchez, who sees his deal at the Amex Stadium expire in 2025, has featured 14 times for the Seagulls in the Premier League this season, keeping four clean sheets. The Spain international's impressive displays have led Brighton to seventh in the table while also securing himself a place in Luis Enrique's squad for the World Cup.
According to the Mirror, Chelsea and United are monitoring Sanchez as both clubs looks to bolster their options between the sticks. Potter, who gave the shot-stopper his top-flight breakthrough at Brighton, is a big fan of the Spaniard.
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Since replacing Thomas Tuchel in the dugout at Stamford Bridge, the 47-year-old has used both Kepa and Mendy. The former was opted for at the beginning of Potter's tenure and guided the new boss to a nine-game unbeaten streak.
But, after conceding three goals in 45 minutes at the Amex Stadium and picking up a knock, Mendy was given the chance to impress. The Senegal international has failed to do such and it remains to be seen whether either of the duo can play to the style of football that Potter is looking to embed.
So, Sanchez has been looked at by Chelsea and his former boss believes he has 'the potential to be anything'. Speaking to The Argus in January of the £26.4million-rated goalkeeper, Potter said: "He can play in any team in the world. He’s that high level.
"His physicality is amazing, his shot-stopping is amazing, he can come for crosses, he’s good with the ball at his feet. He has got everything he needs to be a top goalkeeper.
"The only thing he lacks is games," the former Seagulls boss added. "He has been building those the last couple of years.
"It was a big call because Maty was an experienced Premier League goalkeeper but Robert’s potential high level is incredible and we’ve got to help him reach his maximum. He’s not there yet but that’s just time. He’s fantastic.
"The way we look at it is the team is responsible for defending and attacking - and the goalkeeper is key to both of those things. Clearly the focus is on the clean sheets and defending because he’s the last man before the goal but he also contributes with our attacking as well."
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