Blow for Chelsea as Spanish giants join race for 18-year-old MLSshot-stopper

Transfer News: Real Madrid join Chelsea in Gabriel Slonina race

According to popular Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano (h/t Football.London), Real Madrid have joined Chelsea in the race for talented American goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina from Chicago Fire.

Highly regarded as one of the best young prospects in the MLS, Slonina has everything it takes to become a world-class shot-stopper in the future and is courted by many clubs around Europe. The teenage starlet has been exceptional in the North American football league this season.

The 18-year-old has played 24 times for Chicago Fire this season, conceding just 36 goals and keeping nine clean sheets in the process. Yet to make a senior appearance with his national team and if the American starlet continues in a similar vein, there could be no stopping him in the future.

Chelsea are said to be very keen on securing the very talented shot-stopper but they could be in for a blow with Spanish giants Real Madrid keen on snapping up the shot-stopper.

Born to succeed?

Anybody who has seen Slonina play knows that the wonderkid has all that it takes to make it big in European football and it may not be long before he makes the giant leap. Both Chelsea and Real can afford him with the stage to do just that.

Chelsea have an excellent number one in Eduardo Mendy who could continue to be the Blues’ first-choice shot-stopper for many years to come. The Senegalese international has time and again pulled off spectacular saves to rescue Chelsea in dire situations.

However, the backup goalkeeping spot is a bit of an issue for the club with Kepa Arrizabalaga failing to convince during his time at Stamford Bridge. The Spaniard definitely does not have a starting berth here and might want to leave to restart his career.

In such a scenario, the Blues can snap up the American goalie and keep him as their number two going in from next season, continuing his development and being an understudy to Mendy. However, if Chelsea believe he is not yet ready to be a backup, they could loan him out to continue his development.

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Chelsea need to act fast and snap up Slonina as soon as possible especially with Real Madrid lurking but it for sure is an easier task said than done.