Chelsea closes in on $10million swoop for Chicago wonderkid Gaga Slonina

Chelsea is closing in on a $10million (£8.2m) swoop for 18-year-old Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gaga Slonina, with the American heading back to his Major League Soccer team on loan to finish the 2022 season and aid its playoff bid.

The fee is expected to rise with add-ons based on Slonina's future achievements. The teenager is highly rated in the States and Real Madrid have previously been linked with a move.

Chicago coach Ezra Hendrickson said in his press conference after the Fire's 0-0 draw with Atlanta that Slonina is nearing a transfer.

'There's something close, but nothing has been signed yet so I can't really speak of that,' he said. 'But there's something very close to happening with that.

'I think the kid deserves it. There's no signature yet or anything so I really can't speak on details as far as that goes.

'But I'm happy for the kid and it shows that we have some good talent, some good young talent here in this organization.'

He made his debut on August 4, 2021 for the Fire against New York City, becoming the youngest keeper to start a MLS game at 17 years and 81 days. He kept a clean sheet as the match ended 0-0.

Slonina is of Polish descent but has pledged his future to the United States. He has been called up by the USMNT before but is yet to make a senior international appearance.

He is expected to be in the World Cup team later this year, where the United States meet England, Iran and Wales in their group.

Saturday's 0-0 draw was Slonina's 10th clean sheet in 23 appearances for the Fire this season.

Chicago is eight place in the Eastern Conferences standings, two points outside a playoff spot.

Chelsea, meanwhile, is expected to send No 2 keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan to Italian Serie A side Napoli. The London club was recently bought by Todd Boehly, the Los Angeles Dodgers owner.