Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez poised for Como loan after Fulham setback

Robert Sanchez is reportedly set to leave Chelsea on loan for Como, with Cesc Fabregas’ Serie A side expected to become the goalkeeper’s next club.

The 28-year-old’s future at Stamford Bridge appears to have been decided after a difficult Premier League opening-day performance against Fulham. Chelsea won the match 3-2, but Sanchez was arguably at fault for both goals conceded.

For Fulham’s first goal, Josh King beat the goalkeeper at his near post. Sanchez was then unable to hold the ball for the second, parrying it directly into the path of Gonzalo Garcia, who finished the opportunity.

That display appears to have been the final blow to Sanchez’s Chelsea career. Xabi Alonso and Chelsea’s hierarchy subsequently took the decision to sign Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa and instructed Sanchez to find a new club.

According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, that destination will be Como, who are now expected to complete a loan deal for the former Chelsea goalkeeper. The move would give Sanchez the opportunity to continue his career in Italy after falling out of favour at Stamford Bridge.

Sanchez’s departure would follow another Chelsea player to Como this summer. Trevoh Chalobah has already joined the Serie A club in a move reported to be worth €30m.

The goalkeeper’s position at Chelsea changed sharply after the defeat of confidence caused by his performance against Fulham. Although Chelsea secured victory, the errors that led to both goals placed Sanchez under renewed scrutiny and were followed by the club’s decision to bring in Martinez.

The signing of the Aston Villa goalkeeper left Sanchez facing an uncertain future in west London. With Chelsea deciding that he should seek a new club, a temporary move to Como now appears to be the outcome.

Como are managed by former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Fabregas, and the club have already secured Chalobah from Chelsea earlier in the summer. Sanchez would therefore join a side that has recently added another player from Stamford Bridge.

The proposed loan would bring an end, at least temporarily, to Sanchez’s time as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper. His performance in the 3-2 win over Fulham has been followed by the arrival of Martinez and the reported agreement for a move to Como.

While the transfer has been reported by Romano rather than formally confirmed in the source material, Sanchez is now expected to continue his career with the Italian club.