According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have reached an agreement with Major League Soccer (MLS) club Chicago Fire over a transfer for American goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina.
The shot-stopper will reportedly fly to London with his representatives today to complete his medical and join the west London club.
Slonina spent his youth career with Chicago Fire before being promoted to the club's first team in 2021. The 18-year-old has played 22 out of Chicago's 23 league games this season.
His performances have caught the attention of the Blues, who will sign the youngster in a deal worth $15 million. Slonina will return to Chicago and play out the remainder of the MLS campaign with the club before arriving at Stamford Bridge on January 1.
Romano confirmed the news via Twitter. The tweet read:
"Gaga Slonina to Chelsea, here we go! Agreement with Chicago Fire for $15 million, add-ons included. Talented GK and his agent will fly to London on Sunday to complete medical and sign. Slonina will finish the season with Chicago before joining Chelsea on January 1."
The 18-year-old could be loaned out by the Blues to receive more playing time and gain experience before he can become a regular for the club.
Chelsea could be forced to sign an experienced goalkeeper this summer
Although Chelsea are set to sign Slonina from Chicago, the 18-year-old will join the club in January. The Blues could thus be forced to sign an experienced shot-stopper this summer as Kepa Arrizabalaga could leave the club.
As per Gianluca DiMarzio, Napoli are close to reaching an agreement with Thomas Tuchel's side over a season-long loan deal for the Spaniard. Kepa has spent the last two seasons as the west London club's second-choice goalkeeper behind Edouard Mendy. He will thus be keen to be a regular starter next season to boost his chances of making Spain's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup later this year.
The Blues' current third-choice goalkeeper is Marcus Bettinelli, who made just one appearance for the club last season. They could therefore opt to sign an experienced goalkeeper to provide cover and competition to Mendy before the end of the transfer window.
feobcdptuz
0
The Chelsea fans bla bla bla who knew Courtois when we signed him from Belgium, so you still want Kepa to be backup keeper while we all know he have pick form back. The guy will join us January and Kepa won’t be around. You will be the same people asking the board not signing a backup keeper. He is only 18yrs with first team experience. The kid have kept 10 clean sheets in just 17 games. Instead of you guys to be happy for having one of the future. You guys are here blabbing. If they sign players you complain if they don’t sign you complain. Soon we will be called complain FC.
is goalkeeper our problem now? our board are very confused
Jimekmostu
3
Barca looking at slonina
Jescilostz
0
Barca was surprised
BeRaw
1
The Chelsea fans bla bla bla who knew Courtois when we signed him from Belgium, so you still want Kepa to be backup keeper while we all know he have pick form back. The guy will join us January and Kepa won’t be around. You will be the same people asking the board not signing a backup keeper. He is only 18yrs with first team experience. The kid have kept 10 clean sheets in just 17 games. Instead of you guys to be happy for having one of the future. You guys are here blabbing. If they sign players you complain if they don’t sign you complain. Soon we will be called complain FC.
You’re sensible my brother. Sometimes I’m just tired of our fellow blues menn. They just intentionally choose to distrust and violate the fandom code. While now is also important, This is a pure signing for the future. Love your team while they’re working, trust them to make the right decisions. We still have the champions of the world on our chest, any club in the world will be happy to have that on We are the blues, nobody has faced what we faced in the last 6months but we will always bounce back.
SerBat
0
Your comment is a total rubbish
Lol. Did my comment hurt your Feelings. 😂😂 The Truth is Bitter to take in
Fadabekry
3
misabcdenp
1
Under these poor Americans nothing great is expected at Chelsea
Firedragon147
1
Wait Chelsea signing teenagers, looks like arsenal teens still giving them nightmares
yutcklpstu
0
Is he the goalscorer they need?
Dinhostone
0
Is so slow that they have to name him Slonina 🤣
🤣 🤣 🤣
henrykumiacheaw
6
Barca did not see this coming 😂😂
Moacnpsy
3
Barcelona to Chelsea: we'll see about that
SonyMontana52
7
The Chelsea fans bla bla bla who knew Courtois when we signed him from Belgium, so you still want Kepa to be backup keeper while we all know he have pick form back. The guy will join us January and Kepa won’t be around. You will be the same people asking the board not signing a backup keeper. He is only 18yrs with first team experience. The kid have kept 10 clean sheets in just 17 games. Instead of you guys to be happy for having one of the future. You guys are here blabbing. If they sign players you complain if they don’t sign you complain. Soon we will be called complain FC.
Evans0323
1
Is so slow that they have to name him Slonina 🤣
SerBat
0
lol stupid signings with no importance. Chelsea is a joke
What is your stress are you the one signing for them. If you’re the player will you say they shouldn’t sign it. Think before you talk sometimes Ok.
Ntorres
4
lol stupid signings with no importance. Chelsea is a joke
ludbdkmtyz
2
Xavi just bought a flight ✈️ hope it's not what I'm thinking
monicasele
2
Please Chelsea if you want a player Don't let any one know The player you are interested into, because you already know the player will be hijacked by [Crylaugh]
jetbcdeknt
0
is not better we have romano app and delete all. football
I am telling you my brother
Webcmopuy
1
What are we up to this transfer window??? We don’t even have a proper playing 11. But okay buy a 4th Goalkeeper. Man we are a joke. Missing out on all our targets and we are still sleeping. Never felt so low as a Chelsea fan. Mr Boehly should leave and invest his money in some other business. He knows nothing about Football
ABDULWARIS
2
When Xavi saw that Chelsit signed a player without his notice.
NabongPyramid
2
Barcelona watching the situation 😆 🤣
caesarbruno18
3
That feeling when barca didn't hijack the transfer
kugesuon
0
How did Arsenal miss this Gabriel?
DAT_BOI_JOVAN
0
Chelsea to all football. Bacelona is reading this article
amuex1
0
who the f*ck is that?
Niloc
1
Barca watching the situation closely 🤣🤣
Zahabeops
0
Dont rejoice yet Chelsea fan because slonina needs approval from Barcelona board.
pumabikpy
1
barc to chelsea,take your time we don't need such a player
Joykmorsz
1
be hurry before fc Barcelona caught their eyes on
KlasicYoung11
2
Barcelona is aware already,
jubilee17
4
is not better we have romano app and delete all. football
omamat8
2
Only one of the last ten Community Shield winners went on to lift the Premier League that same season 😩