Chelsea are expected to submit a bid for goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina this week after reaching a verbal agreement for the Chicago Fire star, according to reports.
It was reported last month that Chelsea were said to be ‘really close’ to signing the goalkeeper for a fee of €10 million.
However, following Petr Cech’s departure as Performance and Technical Adviser at Chelsea, there were fears that a potential deal could fall through.
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No official bid has been made as Slonina is expected to spend the rest of the MLS season on loan at Chicago Fire.
However, Kepa Arrizabalaga could be set for a Chelsea exit this summer, with the Blues in need of a replacement.
“It depends what he wants and what his plans are,” Thomas Tuchel admitted previously over whether or not the Spaniard would remain at Chelsea next season.
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“I know that we are very privileged to have Edou and Kepa in our squad but I also know for sure that Kepa is not happy about the situation because he deserved to play more and he can be a very strong number one.
"He arrived as a number one so the situation is not easy. He has been a fantastic team player since day one and never let anybody down. “We did not have a conversation yet but I know that the goalkeeper coaches have these conversations at the moment and then we will take our time to speak with him and reflect on what’s best and what the possibilities are.
"As a coach, of course I’m super happy to have both strong goalkeepers so let’s see.”
The Blues were reportedly considering a move for former Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha on a free transfer.
However, he is now set for a move to Brentford as Chelsea are yet to find a solution to Kepa’s troubles.
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And now, Slonina’s name has been linked with the Blues once more as it appears that an official bid could be made this week.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement with Chicago Fire for the goalkeeper.
Co-owner Todd Boehly has been in direct talks with the MLS club over a deal, which will see a fee of €10 million plus add-ons paid to Chicago Fire.
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The official bid is expected to be submitted this week to get the deal done, with Slonina then expected to remain in the MLS on loan at Chicago Fire.
The Blues will be hoping to complete several signings this summer as Tuchel hopes to compete at the top of the Premier League once more.
With Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen having left the summer, defenders could be the next call of action as Tuchel looks to add to his squad.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Gabriel Slonina, Football, Transfers, Premier League
Nick Emms