Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is now keen on a move for an “unbelievable” Brighton star to play a key role at Stamford Bridge next season, according to a report.
Robert Sanchez struggling at Chelsea
Maresca has defended Robert Sanchez at times this season, with the manager insisting he trusts his goalkeeper, despite making yet another error in the 3-1 defeat against Manchester City back in January.
It was not the first time Sanchez has made a costly mistake this season, with the Spanish goalkeeper making five errors leading to goals in the Premier League up to this point, the joint-highest number of any player.
As such, the 27-year-old has recently dropped to the bench, with Filip Jorgensen taking his place in the last three matches, but the Dane has also struggled at times, conceding three goals in a poor performance against Brighton & Hove Albion.
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Brighton kept a clean sheet that day, prevailing 3-0 at the American Express Stadium, with Bart Verbruggen putting in a solid display, and now GiveMeSport have revealed Chelsea are considering a summer move for the goalkeeper.
Maresca is named as the driving force behind the potential move, with the manager tempted to raid the Seagulls for yet another player, having identified Verbruggen as a good fit to come in and become the first-choice option between the sticks.
However, a deal will not be cheap, as Brighton are said to be holding out for a fee of at least £50m, amid interest from Manchester United, who are contemplating bringing in a replacement for Andre Onana.
Diogo Costa and Caoimhin Kelleher also remain of interest to the Blues, who are set to sell at least one of Sanchez, Jorgensen, Djordje Petrovic or Mike Penders at the end of the season.
"Unbelievable" Verbruggen impressing Hurzeler at Brighton
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler is clearly enjoying working with the Dutch goalkeeper, having taken the time to praise him earlier this season, saying: “I really enjoy working with him because he is an unbelievable character.
“For his age he is very mature and he sees things very professionally. That is why he is a role model for everything. I think he can play a big part in the future of the club.”
The 22-year-old has been a key player for Brighton this season, making 25 appearances in the Premier League, however, he has also been quite error-prone, having made four mistakes leading to a goal.
The Netherlands international has only made one fewer major error than Sanchez, and Chelsea’s current shot-stopper has the edge on some other key metrics over the past year.
Statistic per 90
Robert Sanchez
Bart Verbruggen
Goals against
1.29 (60th percentile)
1.43 (43rd percentile)
Save percentage
76.3 (87th percentile)
69.9% (42nd percentile)
Touches
43.33 (89th percentile)
40.63 (69th percentile)
Crosses stopped percentage
13.7% (99th percentile)
7.2% (71st percentile)
As such, while it is clear to see why Chelsea want a new goalkeeper this summer, it would probably be wise to steer clear of Verbruggen.