Chelsea F.C. Announces Official Signing of Goalkeeper Robert Sánchez

It’s official! Robert Sánchez is leaving Brighton

Chelsea F.C. has signed the 25-year-old Spanish goalkeeper from Brighton on a seven-year contract, the club announced on Saturday.

Robert Sanchez

As previously reported, Chelsea had agreed a fee in the region of £25 million ($31.7m) for Sanchez.

Chelsea has been looking to bolster their goalkeeping options since Edouard Mendy joined Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli in June.

Chelsea is looking to revive its fortunes under new manager Mauricio Pochettino after coming 12th in the Premier League last season — their worst finish since 1994.

“Robert has repeatedly proved himself in the Premier League and been capped by his country,” Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, said in a statement.

“We are excited to watch him work with Mauricio and his coaching team during the season ahead.”

Sanchez joined Brighton’s academy in 2013 and has made 87 Premier League appearances for the south-coast club, but fell out of favor towards the end of the previous season, with Jason Steele starting 15 of Brighton’s last 16 league games.

Sanchez, who is adept with his feet and has a strong range of passing, has won two caps for Spain. He will compete for the goalkeeper position at Stamford Bridge with compatriot Kepa Arrizabalaga.

“Robert is a good guy and a really good player, but being a coach sometimes means making difficult and painful decisions for the team,” Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi said.

“I wish him good luck for the future.”

Chelsea Acquire Robert Sanchez from Brighton & Hove Albion

Robert Sanchez is switching sides…

Chelsea has agreed on a fee in the region of £25 million ($31.7m) for the 25-year-old Spanish professional soccer player and Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper, according to ESPN.

Robert SanchezChelsea returned from their preseason tour to the United States on Thursday and Sanchez is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days ahead of a move all parties hope will be completed in time to start the Premier League season at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea had been looking for a goalkeeper to rival Kepa Arrizabalaga for the No. 1 shirt after Edouard Mendy left the club in June to join Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli.

Sanchez was omitted from Brighton’s U.S. tour amid uncertainty over his future after losing his place to Jason Steele towards the end of last season.

Brighton have already signed Netherlands Under-21 goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen from Anderlecht as a replacement for Sanchez.

Sanchez played 25 times for Brighton last season and kept six clean sheets.

Meanwhile, the two clubs are continuing to negotiate a deal for Moises Caicedo as Chelsea pursue their top midfield target.

Brighton value Caicedo in excess of £100m but Chelsea’s latest bid totaled £80m and was immediately rejected when tabled last week.