Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez for £25m plus add-ons.

Since trading Edouard Mendy to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli, the Blues have been on the lookout for a new goalkeeper.

The 25-year-old Sanchez will compete with Kepa Arrizabalaga for the starting job.

Goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts at Chelsea will be familiar with the Spaniard from their time together at Brighton.

Sanchez, then 15 years old, joined the Seagulls from Levante’s youth program in 2013.

After loan spells with Forest Green and Rochdale, he made his Brighton debut in November 2020 and became the Seagulls’ first-choice goalie for the best part of two years.

While his only caps came in friendlies, he was called up by Spain in 2021 and was a part of their team for both the postponed Euro 2020 tournament and the 2022 World Cup.

Sanchez played in the 2022–23 FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester United on penalties at Wembley, although he was replaced as Brighton’s starting goalkeeper in the second part of the Premier League season by Jason Steele.

Sanchez’s contract at Brighton was slated to expire in June 2025; he has made a total of 90 appearances for the club.