Como 1907 have signed Robert Sanchez on loan, putting Emil Audero in a position where he is at risk of becoming the club's third-choice goalkeeper.

Serie A club Como 1907 is reported to have reached an agreement with Chelsea to loan goalkeeper Robert Sanchez until the end of the 2026/2027 season. The arrival of the Spanish goalkeeper has the potential to reshape the goalkeeping hierarchy at Como, including the position of Indonesia men's national team goalkeeper Emil Audero.

The deal between Chelsea and Como is stated to have been agreed verbally. Multiple reputable sources including Fabrizio Romano, The Athletic, and Gianluca Di Marzio have confirmed Sanchez will join on a straight loan with no permanent purchase option included.

News of Sanchez's transfer emerged shortly after Chelsea finalised the signing of Argentina national team goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa.

Martinez's arrival was directly linked to Sanchez's performance during the opening matchweek of the 2026/2027 Premier League. Sanchez faced heavy scrutiny after he was judged responsible for both of Fulham's goals in Chelsea's narrow 3-2 victory.

Sanchez Gains Champions League Playing Opportunity

One of the core attractions of Sanchez's move to Como is the chance to compete in the 2026/2027 UEFA Champions League.

The Indonesian-owned club secured qualification for Europe's elite club competition after finishing 4th in the 2025/2026 Serie A season.

For Sanchez, the opportunity to feature at the highest tier of European club football is a significant incentive, after spending multiple seasons as Chelsea's first choice goalkeeper.

If the transfer is completed, Sanchez will not only join a rapidly developing club, but also earn the chance to perform on European football's biggest stage.

Nevertheless, he will still need to compete with Jean Butez, who has been head coach Cesc Fabregas' undisputed first choice goalkeeper to date.

Emil Audero May Drop To Third Choice Goalkeeper

Sanchez's completed transfer will bring unwelcome news for Emil Audero.

Prior to this development, Como already operated with multiple goalkeeping options. Butez remained Fabregas' starting pick, while Audero was already fighting to secure consistent match minutes.

Sanchez's arrival will drastically increase competition. With both Sanchez and Butez ahead of him in the pecking order, Audero is projected to drop down to Como's third choice goalkeeper.

This situation presents major concern for Audero, who also holds active international duties with the Indonesia national team. Regular competitive club match time is a critical requirement for goalkeepers to maintain match sharpness and fitness.

Following this shift in Como's goalkeeping hierarchy, Audero's future at the Italian club is once again left uncertain.

Sanchez was originally signed by Chelsea from Brighton & Hove Albion during the 2023 summer transfer window. The 28-year old goalkeeper has been a regular starter for The Blues ever since, recording 112 senior appearances across three seasons at the club.

He previously competed for playing time against other Chelsea goalkeeping signings, including Djordje Petrovic and Filip Jorgensen.

Despite facing repeated criticism over his performances, Sanchez was part of the Chelsea squad that lifted the 2024/2025 UEFA Conference League and 2025 FIFA Club World Cup trophies.

Como Loan Out Noel Tornqvist

Changes to Como's goalkeeping roster are not limited to Sanchez's incoming transfer. The Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium based club has also loaned Swedish goalkeeper Noel Tornqvist to 2026/2027 Serie A newly promoted side Monza.

Tornqvist's departure freed up a roster slot in Como's goalkeeping department. However, once Sanchez officially arrives, the battle for positions will narrow down exclusively between Butez, Sanchez and Audero.

With Butez established as the current starting goalkeeper, Sanchez will become his direct rival for the number one jersey.

Meanwhile Audero will face an even harder struggle to earn any match opportunities.

Emil Audero was previously linked with moves to multiple clubs during the summer transfer window. However, his continued listing on Como's active squad confirms no exit deal has been finalised as of yet.

As a former Inter Milan goalkeeper with extensive Serie A experience, Audero holds the credentials to compete. That said, all final selection decisions remain solely in the hands of Cesc Fabregas.