Gabriel Slonina has completed his move to Chelsea, joining the club from Chicago Fire, where he will spend the remainder of the MLS season on loan.
The 18-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge since Petr Cech recommended him during his time at the club, before the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital consortium's takeover.
Chelsea's official website have confirmed the transfer, with Slonina signing a six-year deal at Stamford Bridge before moving to the club at the start of next year.
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It was previously reported that the clubs came to an agreement over a £12 million fee, including add-ons, for the American youngster.
Speaking to Chicago Fire's website, Slonina sent a message to the fans of his current club, where he will finish the current season.
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He said: "I joined this Club with ambitions of playing at the highest level and it’s been a dream come true to wear the Chicago Fire jersey.
"This Club has become my second home, my second family, and there are so many people that have played a big role in helping me get to where I am today. I’m so thankful for all the support that I’ve received from my family, coaches, teammates, and everyone associated with the Club. It’s been an incredible honor to work alongside each one of you.
"To the fans, I want to thank you all for supporting a local boy from Addison. You have inspired me to work my hardest day in and day out” continued Slonina. “I promise that I will continue to give everything in these final 11 games to help get us back into the playoffs and compete for a championship family, and there are so many people that have played a big role in helping me get to where I am today.
"I’m so thankful for all the support that I’ve received from my family, coaches, teammates, and everyone associated with the Club. It’s been an incredible honor to work alongside each one of you."
The Chicago Fire FC sporting director, Georg Heitz gave Chelsea fans an insight into what to expect from their new goalkeeper, as he admitted his pride in seeing Slonina join Thomas Tuchel's side.
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"We’re very proud and happy to see Gaga reach this milestone moment in his career," he said.
“Since joining the Club, Gaga has embodied what it means to be a Chicago Fire player. In addition to his incredible talent, he is mature beyond his years, extremely hard working, and a fantastic teammate.
"Gaga is a role model to many young aspiring footballers in Chicago, and this transfer demonstrates that a player can progress to the first team from our Academy before joining one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
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It remains to be seen as to what role Slonina will play going forward for Chelsea, with Kepa Arrizabalaga edging closer to a move to Napoli on loan.
As it stands, Marcus Bettinelli will be the back-up goalkeeper for Chelsea, being promoted from third choice.
This could hand Slonina the opportunity to fight for his spot at the Blues when he arrives in January.
But first, Slonina will be determined to finish the season strong with Chicago Fire and repay their faith in him as they challenge to reach the play-offs in the MLS.
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He has become Chelsea's third signing of the transfer window, following Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling to the club.
Featured Image Credit: Chelsea FCTopics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Football, Transfers
