Robert Sanchez Joins Como On Loan After Ruthless Chelsea Goalkeeping Decision | OneFootball

Robert Sanchez is among several Chelsea players to finalise their future.

Robert Sanchez has joined Serie A side Como on a season-long loan.

The 28-year-old has departed Chelsea for the 2026/27 season to make the switch to Italy, which will see him link up with former teammate Trevoh Chalobah, who made the permanent move to join Cesc Fabregas' side earlier this summer.

It's been a whirlwind of a week for Sanchez after starting Chelsea's opening Premier League game of the season against Fulham on August 24.

But a decision was made to bring in Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa, which saw the Argentine immediately make his debut against Brighton and Hove Albion, putting the writing on the wall for Sanchez.

He was left out of the matchday squad after Mike Penders was chosen to be named on the bench, indicating it was a matter of time before Sanchez left - it was a case of who he could join before the summer transfer deadline.

After receiving interest from multiple clubs, Como have finalised a deal for Sanchez, given that Noel Törnqvist is closing in on a loan move to Monza.

Como have made an unbeaten start to the season (W1, D1), with Fabregas' side clinching a huge 2-1 win over Napoli on Sunday.

Why have Chelsea ditched Sanchez in favour of Martinez and Penders?

It looked as though Sanchez and Penders would be Chelsea's pair of preferred goalkeepers for the 2026/27 season under Xabi Alonso after Filip Jorgensen's loan departure to Strasbourg.

But Sanchez, who was trusted by Alonso against Fulham, made two goalkeeping errors and the noise - which has grown in recent years - over the goalkeeping position became too much and the club opted to take advantage of an opportunity.

Martinez was looking to leave Aston Villa, and Chelsea were offered the Argentine. It was an opportunity too good to turn down, and the Blues completed a £7.5 million deal.

Alonso's comments have shown he was instrumental in the decision to sign Martinez, who adds to the experience the club brings this summer.

A change of guard in goal, with Penders as the planned long-term future, was needed, and the time has come. They will hope the noise and unease will decrease during matches, leading to fewer mistakes and fewer points dropped.

Sanchez will get to play Champions League football this season, a competition Chelsea failed to qualify for. A chance to rediscover his form and build his confidence before revisiting his future next summer.