Chelsea FC have once again come under scrutiny over their goalkeeping situation, with club legend Marcel Desailly openly calling for a change ahead of the summer transfer window.
The former defender has raised concerns about current No.1 Robert Sanchez, suggesting his performances are falling short of the level expected at a club competing at the top of the Premier League.
Speaking to GOAL, Desailly was blunt about Chelsea’s defensive issues. He pointed out that the Blues have lost three of their last four Premier League matches, directly linking the poor results to the goalkeeper’s lack of authority. “No consistency because the goalkeeper is not up to the level,” Desailly said. He added that Sanchez fails to provide the necessary strength and confidence to defenders like Wesley Fofana.
Chelsea’s Ongoing Goalkeeping Problems
Chelsea’s struggles to establish a dependable first-choice goalkeeper have persisted for several seasons. The club signed Kepa Arrizabalaga in 2018 for a world-record fee, but consistency remained elusive.
A temporary solution arrived with Edouard Mendy, who played a key role in the club’s UEFA Champions League triumph and earned individual recognition. However, stability faded again following his departure.
Sanchez, brought in from Brighton for £25 million, was expected to bring composure and reliability. Instead, his performances—particularly his distribution from the back—have raised concerns. In a system where goalkeepers are expected to contribute to build-up play, uncertainty in possession can quickly spread across the team and even into the stands.
What Chelsea Need This Summer
Desailly believes the solution is clear: Chelsea need an experienced, international-level goalkeeper who can deliver consistency and leadership. The emphasis is not necessarily on signing a global superstar, but rather a dependable presence capable of minimising errors and organising the defence.
With the 2026 summer transfer window approaching, the club has an opportunity to finally resolve a position that has lacked stability for years. Emerging names such as Mike Penders and Robin Roefs are already being discussed as potential options.