Chelsea linked with new goalkeeper after Robert Sanchez admission

Chelsea have been tipped to rival Manchester United for Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel after reportedly growing concerned by Robert Sanchez’s recent performances.

Sanchez is under immense pressure after a series of high-profile errors between the posts for Chelsea, with his mistake in the 3-1 defeat to Manchester City the fifth which has led to a goal this season.

Manager Enzo Maresca has refused to publicly criticise Sanchez, much to the frustration of a large portion of Chelsea fans, but The Independent state there is a private acceptance that the 27-year-old may not be an ideal fit for Maresca’s side.

Kobel is once again named as a significant target for Chelsea, who were first linked with the Dortmund stopper late last year.

There are also links between Kobel and United who, like Chelsea, could be forced into a decision on a new goalkeeper this summer as Andre Onana continues to struggle with individual errors. However, it is acknowledged that United have greater issues to address in the transfer market and are unlikely to make a significant push for a new goalkeeper.

The Athletic stress that Chelsea will not seek to replace Sanchez this month and cast doubt over whether the Blues would look to sign a new stopper in the summer. 22-year-old Filip Jorgensen was signed from Villarreal last year and is seen as a player with high potential, while there is also significant excitement surrounding 19-year-old Mike Penders, who will join from Genk in June in a deal worth £17m.

Maresca has acknowledged that his high-risk style of play is always likely to lead to errors from his goalkeepers, even once going as far as to claim he would only grow concerned about Sanchez if the Spaniard stopped taking the immense risks that have left fans frustrated this season.