Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina after he arrived in London to undergo his medical, according to reports.
The 18-year-old’s big move to Stamford Bridge edged closer over the weekend after the clubs came to an agreement over a £12 million fee, including add-ons, for the American youngster.
Slonina, who was in action for the MLS side against Atlanta United on Saturday, has agreed a long-term move to west London and is on the verge of putting pen to paper to become a Chelsea player.
Slonina’s move was hinted by Chicago boss Ezra Hendrickson after the game, but he refused to confirm any deal, or who the teenager was joining.
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"There's something close, but nothing has been signed yet so I can't really speak of that. 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 young talent here in this organisation."
Slonina had attracted interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, but Thomas Tuchel’s side have won the transfer race for the highly-rated teenager.
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Now he has made the trip across the Atlantic to fly to London to finalise his transfer, and according to Fabrizio Romano, he will undergo his medical on Monday after arriving in the capital.
Once his move is completed and made official, he will remain with Chicago Fire until 1 January next year to see out the season in the MLS.
Slonina’s arrival, albeit delayed by six months, coincides with the exit of number two goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. He is close to joining Napoli on a loan deal as talks between the clubs continue.
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Should Kepa leave, which is looking increasingly likely, and should no goalkeeper arrive this summer to replace the Spaniard, Tuchel will be left with Edouard Mendy and Marcus Bettinelli as his senior options until Slonina joins up with the team in January.
There is still more work to do in the summer transfer window for co-owner Todd Boehly and co.
They are setting their sights on Wesley Fofana of Leicester City and Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries.
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There is a little over four weeks until the summer window slams shut, and the season begins this week, so time is ticking for the Blues to get their required business done.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Football
