Chelsea are reportedly close to sending goalkeeper Robert Sanchez to Como on a season-long loan as part of a major reshuffle in their goalkeeping department. The move comes after Chelsea brought in Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa for around £7.5 million, with the Argentine expected to compete for the starting role. Mike Penders will remain with the squad as another option, leaving Sanchez facing a reduced role after struggling to establish himself as a consistent first-choice goalkeeper since joining from Brighton in 2023.

Sanchez has made 104 appearances for Chelsea and played an important role in the club’s FIFA Club World Cup triumph last year, including a starting position in the final against Paris Saint-Germain. However, his time at Stamford Bridge has been marked by inconsistent performances and repeated spells out of the starting lineup. His difficult beginning to the current season further weakened his position, after an error contributed to a goal during Chelsea’s 3-2 victory over Fulham. He subsequently missed the next two matches, with Martinez taking his place in the starting lineup.

A move to Como could give the 28-year-old an opportunity to rebuild his confidence through regular first-team football. The Italian club are expected to benefit from Sanchez’s experience of more than 100 appearances in the Premier League, while the goalkeeper will have a chance to prove that he can still perform at a high level. Como also provide a familiar connection through Trevoh Chalobah, who joined the Serie A side earlier in the summer after previously playing alongside Sanchez at Chelsea. The loan would therefore represent a fresh chapter for Sanchez while allowing Chelsea to move forward with Martinez and Penders as their principal goalkeeping options.

For Chelsea, the decision reflects a clear change in the hierarchy under Xabi Alonso as the club continues to shape its squad for the new season. Sanchez’s departure could also give him the consistent playing time that has been difficult to secure in London. With Como offering a new environment and regular competitive football, the temporary move could become an important opportunity for the Spanish international to revive his career and potentially return to Chelsea with renewed confidence and greater consistency.