Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has moved to Italian side Como on a season-long loan, following a costly error-filled display that cost him his place as the club's number one.

Sanchez started Chelsea's Premier League opener — a 3-2 victory over Fulham — but struggled badly, allowing Josh King's shot to slip through his hands at the near post. That display proved fatal to his prospects, prompting the club to act quickly in the transfer market.

Martinez arrival ends Sanchez's Chelsea tenure

Chelsea moved swiftly, signing Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa for £7.5 million. Martinez made his debut in a dramatic 4-3 win over Brighton on Sunday, having been announced as a Chelsea player only hours earlier. Sanchez, meanwhile, was left out of the matchday squad entirely.

The 28-year-old had been Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper since arriving from Brighton in 2023, making 112 appearances and collecting two major honours — the Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup — during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Como, managed by former Chelsea and Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas, have an option to buy Sanchez at the end of the loan spell, according to BBC Sport.

Chelsea's goalkeeping options going forward

The turnaround has been swift and striking. Chelsea had publicly backed Sanchez ahead of the new season, but his mistakes against Fulham and the timely arrival of Martinez in the days before the transfer deadline left the club with little choice.

Chelsea also have Mike Penders among their goalkeeping ranks. The Belgian, signed from Genk for £17 million, made his debut in Chelsea's Carabao Cup win over Luton Town last week and was named among the substitutes against Brighton at the weekend.

Como bolster squad with Kean signing

Sanchez is not the only high-profile arrival at Como this window. The Italian club have also brought in Moise Kean, 26, from Fiorentina on loan with an obligation to buy. The former Everton and Juventus striker scored eight goals in 26 Serie A appearances for Fiorentina last season.

Como finished fourth in Italy last season and will compete in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League this term, making them an increasingly attractive destination for top-level talent.