Robert Sanchez replacements are back in the spotlight after Chelsea’s goalkeeper came under renewed scrutiny despite Xabi Alonso’s side opening the Premier League season with a 3-2 win at Fulham.
Chelsea’s attacking players provided plenty of encouragement on Alonso’s competitive debut, with Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer all finding the net at Craven Cottage. But Sanchez’s performance offered a reminder of the uncertainty that has surrounded the position.
The Spaniard was unable to prevent Josh King’s equaliser and was also involved in the incident that allowed Gonzalo Garcia to bring Fulham back into the contest. Chelsea ultimately held on for three points, but the goalkeeper debate has quickly returned.
For now, however, there is no indication that Chelsea are preparing to enter the market. Recent reporting says the club remain comfortable with Sanchez and Mike Penders, who has returned after an impressive loan spell at Strasbourg.
If that position changes before the transfer window closes, these are five names who could potentially enter the conversation.
Robert Sanchez Replacements: 5 Goalkeepers Chelsea Could Sign
1. Gregor Kobel
Gregor Kobel would represent the sort of established goalkeeper who could immediately raise competition for the No.1 position.
The Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper has considerable Bundesliga experience and remains firmly established at the German club. His age also makes him a more long-term proposition than some of the alternatives on this list.
The major question would be whether Dortmund would entertain a sale and, if so, what price Chelsea would have to pay.
For Chelsea, Kobel’s appeal would lie in bringing an established goalkeeper into a position where consistency has been an issue.
2. Diogo Costa
Diogo Costa has long been regarded as one of Europe’s most promising young goalkeepers and would fit the technical demands of a possession-oriented side.
The Porto goalkeeper is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and has developed a reputation for his penalty-saving ability.
However, this would be an expensive operation and, crucially, current reporting does not indicate that Chelsea are pursuing him. One recent report specifically said Chelsea were not interested in Costa this summer.
That makes him more of a hypothetical option than an active transfer target at present.
3. Caoimhin Kelleher
Caoimhin Kelleher offers something different: Premier League experience without the adaptation period that would come with a move from abroad.
The Republic of Ireland international spent years competing with Alisson at Liverpool before moving to Brentford, giving him experience of playing under considerable pressure.
A move for Kelleher would nevertheless depend on Brentford’s willingness to sell and Chelsea’s assessment of whether he represents a significant enough upgrade on their current options.
4. Emiliano Martinez
Emiliano Martinez would bring the greatest level of experience to Chelsea’s goalkeeping department.
The Argentina international has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most recognisable goalkeepers and was central to Argentina’s World Cup triumph.
He has also been linked with a move away from Aston Villa, but Chelsea have already been reported to have no interest in signing Martinez. Their current preference remains to work with Sanchez and Penders.
That makes Martinez an unlikely option unless Chelsea dramatically change their position.
5. Mike Maignan
Mike Maignan is perhaps the most obvious name given Chelsea’s previous interest.
Chelsea explored a deal for the AC Milan goalkeeper in 2025 when he was entering the final year of his contract. The Blues reportedly made an offer but ultimately decided against pursuing the transfer further. Maignan subsequently extended his Milan contract until 2031.
That makes a new move considerably more complicated than it was previously.
Maignan would nevertheless represent a proven elite option, with experience in both Ligue 1 and Serie A and a profile that could suit Alonso’s demands.
The verdict: Chelsea have a decision to make
The debate over Robert Sanchez replacements has intensified, but Chelsea’s current position remains clear: they are not actively looking for another goalkeeper.
That could change if Sanchez’s inconsistency continues. For now, though, Alonso has Mike Penders as an alternative, and the club appear determined to see whether their existing options can solve the problem internally.
That approach is understandable. Chelsea invested heavily in Penders with a long-term plan in mind, and immediately signing another established goalkeeper could complicate his pathway.
But Sanchez’s latest performance has ensured the question will not disappear.
Chelsea have ambitions of challenging at the top of the Premier League, and their attack already showed against Fulham why those ambitions are justified. The bigger question may be whether the Blues can find enough consistency at the other end of the pitch.
For now, Robert Sanchez remains Chelsea’s No.1 — but the pressure on him has clearly returned.
Read more – Newcastle agree £52m Nico Gonzalez deal in major midfield boost
Also see – Man Utd transfer news: Is a new left-back next after Baleba?
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