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Robert Sanchez Joins Como on Loan as Chelsea Goalkeeper Plans Shift Again

Chelsea have sanctioned Robert Sanchez’s move to Como on a season-long loan, a swift development in a position that has changed quickly at Stamford Bridge. As first reported by BBC Sport, the deal also includes an option to buy for the 28-year-old, with Cesc Fabregas now set to work with the Spaniard in Serie A.

Sanchez has joined Como on a season-long loan after a sharp swing in his standing at Chelsea. He began the campaign in the side, starting the Blues’ 3-2 win over Fulham in the Premier League opener, but the game proved costly. He made a costly mistake in that game and Chelsea moved decisively in the market soon after.

Chelsea goalkeeper change gathers pace

Concerns around the position prompted Chelsea to sign Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa in a £7.5m deal. The Argentina international was immediately thrust into action, having “started Chelsea’s 4-3 win against Brighton on Sunday” only hours after the transfer was announced. Sanchez, by contrast, “was dropped from the matchday squad”.

For a player who “was Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper since joining from Brighton in 2023”, it marks a significant shift. Sanchez leaves west London with 112 appearances, having “won the Conference League and the Club World Cup with the Stamford Bridge club”. Yet the latest call reflects how quickly the hierarchy’s view changed. “Those in charge at Chelsea had been keen to back Sanchez but he was deemed surplus to requirements after his mistakes against Fulham and the arrival of Martinez days before the transfer deadline.”

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Como loan offers fresh opening

Como offer a competitive landing spot. Fabregas’ side finished fourth in Italy last season and will play Champions League football this term. The club have also added Moise Kean, with the striker joining from Fiorentina on loan with an obligation to buy.

Chelsea, meanwhile, retain depth. Mike Penders, signed from Genk for £17m, is also in the picture after making his debut in the Carabao Cup win over Luton Town.

Our View

From a Chelsea perspective, this feels like one of those decisions that is tough on the individual but understandable in the broader context. Sanchez has had good moments for the club and you cannot ignore 112 appearances, plus medals from the Conference League and Club World Cup. That matters. At the same time, goalkeeper is the one position where doubt spreads quickly through a team.

If the coaching staff felt the Fulham display changed the mood, then acting quickly was probably the only route. Bringing in Martinez for £7.5m looks like a low-risk move on paper, especially for a player with top-level experience and presence. The bigger question is whether Chelsea have finally settled the position or simply created another short-term fix.

There will be some sympathy for Sanchez because confidence for goalkeepers can disappear overnight. A loan to Como, under Fabregas, could be exactly what he needs. Regular games, a different league, and a club with momentum sounds promising.

For Chelsea supporters, the interesting part now is succession planning. Penders is clearly one to watch, and if the club genuinely believe in his ceiling, this season may tell us plenty about the long-term direction. In the short term, though, this is about stability. Chelsea have chosen clarity over sentiment, and fans will hope the call brings calm to a position that has rarely felt fully settled.