Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has completed a season-long loan move to Como. The transfer follows Sanchez losing his starting spot at Stamford Bridge to new arrival Emiliano Martinez.
Sanchez began Chelsea's Premier League opener against Fulham, a 3-2 win, but his performance included an error that allowed Josh King to score. Concerns over his displays led to Chelsea signing Argentina international Martinez from Aston Villa for £7.5m.
Martinez started Chelsea's 4-3 victory over Brighton on Sunday, just hours after his transfer was announced, while Sanchez was not included in the matchday squad. Sanchez had been Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper since joining from Brighton in 2023, making 112 appearances and winning the Conference League and Club World Cup.
Como, managed by former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, reportedly has an option to buy the 28-year-old at the end of his loan spell. Sanchez's departure marks a significant shift in opinion at Chelsea, where he was deemed surplus to requirements after his mistakes against Fulham and Martinez's arrival.
The club also has Mike Penders, a £17m signing from Genk, among their goalkeeping options. Como, who finished fourth in Italy last season, will participate in the Champions League league phase this term and have also signed Italy international Moise Kean on loan.