Chelsea will make a formal offer for Gabriel Slonina in the coming days after reaching a verbal agreement with Chicago Fire, according to reports.
The Blues have been working on a deal for Slonina for a number of months. An 18-year-old goalkeeper, he would be one for the future. However, he has already been building up experience in Major League Soccer with Chicago Fire.
His time with his current employers may be coming to an end soon, though – at least in terms of the ownership of his services.
According to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are set to sign Slonina for a 10million transfer fee. He does not make clear what currency that is in.
Another detail to come to light is that Chelsea would loan the USA under-20 international – who is also eligible to play for Poland – back to Chicago Fire after signing him. Slonina has already made 30 senior appearances for the club.
Romano tweeted on Tuesday: “Chelsea have reached verbal agreement with Chicago Fire for Gabriel Slonina, after direct talks between Todd Boehly and MLS club. 10m deal plus add-ons, he’d stay at Chicago on loan.
“Chelsea are expected to submit official bid this week in order to get the deal done.”
Hence, the finishing line could be in sight for Chelsea in order to acquire a goalkeeper who could have a chance of representing them in the future.
Gabriel Slonina signing will not answer immediate Chelsea dilemma
However, the fact he would be staying in the MLS for now means Chelsea will still have to address their goalkeeping department for the start of the new season.
Edouard Mendy has established himself as the club’s number one. However, previous first-choice Kepa Arrizabalaga faces an uncertain future as his deputy.
Still the world’s most expensive goalkeeper of all time, Kepa has now been a backup for a couple of seasons. He may benefit from a move away this summer, especially in view of the World Cup.
If he does depart, Chelsea would need to find a new deputy for Mendy. If it is not going to be Slonina immediately, they would have to come up with another solution.
Then, in the future, time will tell if Slonina is capable of competing for a Chelsea berth. Given the amount of money being invested in him, it appears the club believe he can.
For now, though, continuing to develop in the MLS would seem a sensible decision for his own future. At his age, gametime will be important so that he can best equip himself for a future at Stamford Bridge.
There are no details at present about the length of any contract he may sign for Chelsea.
