Chelsea risk undoing Pochettino’s hard work by signing ‘sulking’ target Sanchez

Chelsea risk undoing all of Mauricio Pochettino’s hard work by acquiring the services of Robert Sanchez this summer. The Brighton shot-stopper has been highlighted as a top target at Stamford Bridge to provide competition for Kepa Arrizabalaga, but he may not be the right candidate for such a role.

Since his arrival, Pochettino has made it his mission to reduce the size of his squad and not fall victim to the mistakes made by Graham Potter last season. The ex-Tottenham boss has allowed numerous talented stars to depart, including Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic, in a bid to boost morale and work with an ordinary-sized group of players.

Those who were keen to leave had their exits facilitated, as well as those who were unlikely to feature regularly and could grow unhappy next season. Pochettino’s work on this front is far from complete, with Romelu Lukaku and Hakim Ziyech still Chelsea players, but significant progress has been made.

However, as the Blues turn their attention to signing players, they could be overlooking key factors that would contradict the aforementioned business. With Pochettino keen to put his faith in Kepa next season, Chelsea are looking at bringing in a new No 2, but Sanchez may not be the correct candidate for the vacancy given his conduct at Brighton last season.

The Spain international began the campaign as the Seagull’s first-choice goalkeeper but fell out of favour under Roberto De Zerbi, who felt that Jason Steele was a better fit for his system. The two goalkeepers rotated for a short while before Sanchez vanished from matchday squads, with The Athletic reporting that he had asked not to be named in the team if he was simply going to sit on the bench.

The reported ‘sulk’ saw Brighton adhere to his wishes and they have since signed Bart Verbruggen as a replacement. However, Sanchez could find himself warming the bench at Chelsea too if he agrees to the move and may become unhappy once again, having shown previously that he will go to extreme measures to voice his discontent.