Sources: Chelsea accelerate plan to sign new goalkeeper
Chelsea are accelerating their plan to sign a new goalkeeper in the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
Robert Sanchez was withdrawn with an injury during the 2-0 loss against Everton on Sunday (10 December).
Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino revealed post-match that the Spaniard had aggravated a knee problem he suffered in the loss against Man United last week and will now be assessed.
However, it is believed Chelsea had already been planning to sign a new shot-stopper in January – regardless of Sanchez’s availability.
Football Insider revealed as early as 11 November that Pochettino and his recruitment staff have identified goalkeeper as an area of the squad which needs improving ahead of the mid-season window.
Serbia international Djordje Petrovic was signed in the summer and currently acts as Sanchez’s deputy.
Chelsea also have Marcus Bettinelli, 31, and Lucas Bergstrom, 21, on the books as goalkeeping options.
Sanchez was signed from Brighton by the Londoners in the most recent summer window for a reported fee of £25million.
The 26-year-old has started all 19 games for the club this season, conceding 26 goals and keeping just five clean sheets.
Last season’s first-choice shot-stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga was loaned out to Real Madrid following a serious injury to Thibaut Courtois.
Sanchez subsequently arrived and signed a seven-year contract worth a reported £60,000-a-week at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea sit 12th in the Premier League and are next in action against Sheffield United on Saturday (16 December).
In other news, big update on Pochettino’s future at Chelsea.