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Chelsea have given Arsenal leverage in their David Raya pursuit after the Blues struck a £25million deal.
On Thursday it emerged the Blues had agreed a deal to sign Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez for £25million plus add-ons.
Chelsea have been looking to add a goalkeeper to their squad following the sale of Edouard Mendy to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, with Sanchez arriving to challenge Kepa Arrizabalaga for the number one spot.
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The 25-year-old will be familiar to the coaching staff at Chelsea, with goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts having previously worked with him at Brighton.
Sanchez has been with the Seagulls since the age of 15, having joined their academy from Levante, and in November 2020, he became the Seagulls' first-choice stopper.
However, the Spain international lost his place to Jason Steele in the second half of Brighton's 2022-23 Premier League campaign.
The deal will see Brighton garner a significant fee but also sets a benchmark for Chelsea’s Premier League rivals regarding a fair price for an international standard goalkeeper.
Arsenal have leverage in David Raya deal
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On Wednesday it emerged that Arsenal have agreed a contract in principle for Sanchez’s international team-mate Raya, with the goalkeeper keen to move to the Emirates this summer.
While Arsenal are ready to begin club-to-club talks for the player, Tottenham and Bayern Munich have both walked away from potential deals over Brentford's £40million asking price.
Brentford allegedly believe the requested fee represents fair value given Manchester United's £47.2million move for Andre Onana last month.
However, Arsenal may now try to use Sanchez’s £25million price tag as a means of bringing down Raya’s asking price.
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The Bees are reportedly comfortable with the fact that the 27-year-old could leave on a free transfer next summer with just one year remaining on his current deal.
Indeed, it remains unclear what Arsenal’s move for Raya would mean for current first-choice Aaron Ramsdale.
Topics: Premier League, Transfers, Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton And Hove Albion
Chris Byfield