Chelsea could have surprise Robert Sanchez rival after new transfer decision | OneFootball

Robert Sanchez made two costly errors as Chelsea were beaten by Arsenal in first leg of Carabao Cup semi-final

Chelsea have recalled goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe from his loan spell at Bolton Wanderers.

Chelsea activated a break clause in Sharman-Lowe’s contract at Bolton, where he had initially joined on a season-long loan in the summer.

It is understood that Chelsea will now consider the best next step for the 22-year-old shot-stopper, with one option for him to remain with the first team for the remainder of the season.

Sharman-Lowe played 23 times for the League One side Bolton in the first half of the season. In November, he was named the club’s player of the month. He joined Chelsea from Burton Albion in 2020 and spent last season on loan at Doncaster Rovers, where he played every minute as they won the League Two title.

Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen and Gaga Slonina are among those who are above Sharman-Lowe in the pecking order at Chelsea as things stand, but the club have received criticism in recent seasons for not signing a world-class goalkeeper.

On Wednesday night, Sanchez failed to collect two crosses which allowed Ben White and Viktor Gyokeres to score past him and help Arsenal to a 3-2 lead heading into next month’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea.

Recalled: Teddy Sharman-Lowe

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They had the chance to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan in the summer as he approaches the end of his contract with the Serie A side, but a fee could not be agreed between the clubs so he remained in Italy.

In a statement announcing his return to Chelsea, Bolton said: “Wanderers would like to thank Teddy for his contribution and commitment during his time with the Whites and wish him well in his future career.”

Sharman-Lowe is the second Chelsea player to be recalled this month Caleb Wiley’s loan spell at Watford was cut short, while Leo Castledine was sold to permanently to Middlesbrough.