Paul Robinson

Thu 14 December 2023 17:25, UK

Chelsea “absolutely” need a new starting goalkeeper to replace Robert Sanchez.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Tottenham and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson was adamant that the Spaniard has “not been good enough” since his £25million summer move from Brighton.

As revealed by Football Insider (12 December), the Blues have accelerated plans to sign a new goalkeeper in the January transfer window.

Boss Mauricio Pochettino revealed the shot-stopper will be assessed for an aggravated knee injury sustained in Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Man United earlier this month (6 December), but a move for a new goalkeeper was already in the works.

Robinson was baffled that Chelsea opted to play the 26-year-old as their top-choice goalkeeper this season and admitted he was “not the long-term answer” for the 12th-place side.

“Honestly, he’s not been good enough,” he told Football Insider.

“I’ve seen him play this season and he was excellent when they played Man United in a goalkeeping sense when Chelsea recently got beaten there. He was excellent with his feet.

“Chelsea look to play out, but they’re masters of their own downfall at times when they play out from the back and the goalkeeper is not good enough to do what the manager’s asking him to do.

“Sanchez was number three at Brighton before they signed him – I was very surprised when Chelsea took him as a number one.

“I didn’t for one minute think he’d play. It was Kepa Arrizabalaga who looked like he was going to start the season, but he left and it was too late for them to find anything better.

“For me, Robert Sanchez is not the long-term answer.

“As a part of your squad and as a number two – yes, absolutely.

“But as a regular number one playing every game, he’s not good enough to do that and I wouldn’t be surprised if Chelsea go into the market again for a goalkeeper because they absolutely have to.”

In other news, Sources: Chelsea now plan to sell multiple stars in January.