Chelsea are on the verge of signing Robert Sanchez from Brighton after two clubs agree a £25m fee for the goalkeeper

Chelsea are close to finalizing a deal for Brighton’s Spanish goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Although the player had agreed a move from Brighton to Chelsea in recent days, the two clubs are said to have worked out a fee for the Spanish star.

But now Mail Sport understands that while details about the fee and payment structure are still being ironed out, the deal is just inches from completion.

Sánchez has also agreed to join as of last week and it is believed he will sign a long-term contract to keep him at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea would see the 25-year-old as a potential competitor for current number 1 Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Sánchez fell out of favor at Brighton after an argument with manager Roberto De Zerbi

Mauricio Pochettino’s team wanted to add the Spaniard to their ranks this summer

The Blues have been on the hunt for a new stopper since Senegal star Edouard Mendy was sold to Al-Ahli earlier in the transfer window, with only Spain’s Arrizabalaga remaining.

Chelsea have maintained interest in the player throughout the summer, while Mauricio Pochettino’s side have been looking for a new star in the squad.

Sanchez had impressed for Brighton before a row with Roberto de Zerbi dried up his minutes for the South Coast outfit.

The Spanish star has therefore attracted the interest of a number of Premier League sides with a view to getting him off, with Manchester United monitoring the situation early in the transfer window.

Sanchez lost his place as Brighton’s number 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, 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.

Although born in Spain and capped twice by them, Sanchez counts as homegrown, having grown up at Brighton’s academy since he was 15 and courted by England before being called up in Spain.

Roberto De Zerbi claimed that Sanchez asked not to be in the squad for a Premier League match

Jason Steele took over as No. 1 at Brighton after the Spanish goalkeeper was dropped from the side

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Sanchez is adept with the ball at his feet, which will be a big reason why Pochettino is eager to add the stopper to his ranks.

The goalkeeper was Brighton’s first-choice between the sticks until early March, and has since been relegated to FA Cup starts and provided injury cover for former Sunderland star Steele.

“We spoke with Robert before the game against Arsenal and we decided together that the best solution was to stay home,” De Zerbi revealed amid questions about why Sanchez had been dropped.

‘He decides everything. Robert decides, and right now it is. He wanted it that way, not me, not the club.’