Chelsea are making progress in their pursuit of Brighton’s Robert Sanchez, with Blues coach Ben Roberts a big fan of the goalkeeper

Chelsea have made tentative progress on their transfer to Brighton keeper Robert Sanchez after seriously examining a bid for the Spaniard.

The price of some of the options Chelsea have looked at in particular has been an obstacle before.

That was the case earlier in the summer when an earlier investigation into Sanchez was made.

But developments have put a possible switch from Sanchez back on the agenda.

He already had a big fan base at Stamford Bridge, his former Brighton mentor, Ben Roberts, who now heads Chelsea’s goalkeeping department. New head coach Mauricio Pochettino has also given a transfer from Sanchez his blessing.

The Spaniard is currently training with the U18s amid poor relations with Seagulls boss Roberto de Zerbi

Sanchez lost his spot as Brighton’s No. 1 to Jason Steele towards the end of last season and saw Dutchman Bart Verbruggen join this summer.

And with his relationship with manager failing to improve, Robert De Zerbi Sanchez is training with Brighton’s under-18s rather than the first team.

A move to Chelsea, which has also signed a deal with AS Monaco centre-back Axel Disasi, appears to be a success for all parties.

With Sanchez’s current plight looking unsustainable, Brighton’s asking price could well drop slightly to a price more favorable to Chelsea.

A sale would allow Brighton to secure a fee for a player completely out of the first-team picture, while Chelsea would sign a proven Premier League goalkeeper, restoring their options following the departure of Edouard Mendy .

Sánchez is initially seen as a competitor for Kepa Arrizabalaga, but has the potential to improve further and could also replace his compatriot as Chelsea’s first-choice.

Chelsea goalkeeper coach Ben Roberts (right) is a big fan of Sanchez and worked with him at Brighton