'Already accepted' - Brighton braced for latest exit amid Chelsea and Arsenal transfer link

Sanchez, 25, was a mainstay in the Brighton team under previous boss Graham Potter but now looks set to leave this summer – with Chelsea and Arsenal both reportedly keen on the Spain international.

Sanchez was dropped as the regular No 1 for Brighton last season as De Zerbi opted for the talents of Jason Steele. It was a bold call from the Italian head coach but a decision that has since been vindicated by Steele’s excellent displays in the second half of last season.

Steele adapted superbly to De Zerbi’s style of playing out from the back but also proved a reliable and extremely agile shot-stopper. Sanchez then fell out with De Zerbi towards te end of the campaign and was not incuded in the match day squads towards the tail end of the campaign.

Relations have not improved during the close season and Sanchez has fell further down the pecking following the £16m summer signing of Bart Verbruggen from Anderlect.

It leaves Sanchez out in the cold and seeking a move elsewhere. Chelsea have been linked with a summer move for the Spaniard where he could reunite with his former goalkeeper coach Ben Roberts, who helped him progress through the ranks at Brighton.

Chelsea are said to be keen to add competition for current No 1 Kepa Arrizabalaga, after the the exit of Édouard Mendy following his move to Al Ahli. Arsenal are also said to be keen on Sanchez’s talents as they look to provide competition for their No 1 Aaron Ramsdale.

Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano posted: “Chelsea have sent formal bid for Robert Sánchez to Brighton. Negotiations are ongoing — told Sánchez has already accepted Chelsea as destination. Brighton hope for Sánchez to leave this summer. Chelsea and Brighton remain in talks also for Moisés Caicedo.”