Robert Sanchez completed a £25m move from Brighton to Chelsea on Saturday, with the Spanish international signing a seven-year deal to complete the switch from the Seagulls to Stamford Bridge.
His arrival adds competition to compatriot Kepa Arrizabalaga, a goalkeeper who has certainly had his fair share of battles during his time in west London.
Another Spanish keeper who could be on the move is David Raya, with Arsenal looking to land the 27-year-old. Thomas Frank’s side could compromise on their initial £40m price-tag and be tempted into a sale if the Gunners make a £30m bid.
A move for Raya has raised eyebrows, as many have speculated whether a switch to the Gunners is the correct choice for the Spaniard due to the fierce competition he would face from Aaron Ramsdale, who has been an ever-present in the side after completing his own £30m move from Sheffield United in 2021.
Mail Sport goes into depth in analysing the performances of Sanchez and Raya during the 2022-23 Premier League season in comparison with Kepa and Ramsdale, highlighting their similarities and differences.
Robert Sanchez completed a £25m move to join Chelsea from Brighton at the weekend
Spanish compatriot David Raya could also be in for a big move with Arsenal interested
Sanchez and Kepa
Sanchez had a successful start to the 2022-23 Premier League season under Graham Potter, keeping three clean sheets in six games as well as featuring in Spain’s World Cup squad alongside Raya and Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simon.
His form though has seemed to drift since the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi with Sanchez conceding 30 goals in 23 games, having a save percentage of just 61 and a pass accuracy of 74.7 per cent.
The 25-year-old lost his place in the team to Jason Steele, who De Zerbi claimed was better suited to his style of play. Sanchez looked a little uncomfortable and impatient when in possession, and this cost him his place in the team.
In comparison, Kepa had an 80.7 per cent pass accuracy and a better save percentage of 73.2 per cent. Kepa is perhaps the better shot stopper, preventing 6.0 goals in comparison to Sanchez’s -2.5, which raises questions as to whether Sanchez is coming in as cover for Arrizabalaga or as a successor.
Sanzhez’s move to Stamford Bridge comes after he lost his place to Jason Steele at Brighton
Sanchez attempts more long passes than Kepa, looking to get his side on the front foot as soon as possible. The likes of Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Nicolas Jackson will be crucial for Sanchez when on the counter-attack.
Their runs in behind would allow the Spanish international to show off his long-range passing, a combination that could be deadly for the Blues. The return of Levi Colwill and the signing of Axel Disasi will also strengthen Chelsea’s defence this season, taking the pressure off both Sanchez and Kepa.
Chelsea’s 12th-placed finish last season has meant that Chelsea will not participate in any European competitions. Therefore, game-time is limited for the two Spaniards this season, and with Chelsea’s campaign kicking off next week, there is certainly limited time for Robert Sanchez to solidify his place as Chelsea’s No 1 for their opening game against Liverpool.
| Sanchez | Kepa | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 23 | 29 |
| Goals conceded | 30 | 33 |
| Save percentage | 61 | 73.2 |
| Passing accuracy (%) | 74.7 | 80.7 |
| Goals prevented | -2.5 | 6.0 |
Kepa Arrizabalaga has overcome challenges at the club in the past and comes off a better season than Sanchez despite Chelsea’s disappointing 12th place finish in the Premier League
Raya and Ramsdale
Raya’s comparison with Ramsdale offers a different perspective to Sanchez and Kepa. Raya, who has been a target of Tottenham and Bayern Munich, is a lot more expressive in his play, completing 896 passes last season, in comparison to Ramsdale’s 592.
Raya completed a pass every 2.3 minutes, and registered a save percentage of 77 per cent over 38 games. Raya prevented 5.8 goals during the 2022-23 Premier League season, a huge difference to Ramsdale’s -1.2.
Aaron Ramsdale faces a tough challenge at hand to fend off Raya should the Brentford man complete a move to the Emirates Stadium before the end of the summer transfer window
| Raya | Ramsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 38 | 38 |
| Goals conceded | 46 | 43 |
| Completed passes | 896 | 592 |
| Goals prevented | 5.8 | -1.2 |
Raya is progressive in his passing, which fits Arsenal’s attractive football to a tee. The ‘sweeper keeper’ took 1,882 touches last season, the most in the league for a goalkeeper. Raya has been described as an ‘extra outfield player’ by Steven Drench, as per Sky Sports, who worked with Raya during his time at Blackburn.
Credit must be due to Ramsdale, who has adapted to Mikel Arteta’s football quickly and has certainly impressed, with questions lifted as to whether he should be England’s No 1 ahead of Jordan Pickford.
His bravery and confidence has been noted, such as his incredible save in the 96th minute in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool. But consistency will be demanded this season from Ramsdale, whose form fell off towards the end of last year when he conceded 43 goals in 38 games.
A move for Raya adds competition, pushing Ramsdale even further in a season where minutes will certainly be available as Arsenal return to the Champions League after a six-year absence.
