Chelsea agree terms with MLS side for talented shot-stopper

Transfer News: Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign Gabriel Slonina

According to popular Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have reached an agreement with Chicago Fire to sign talented American goalie Gabriel Slonina and loan him back to the MLS club.

Slonina had been linked to Chelsea some time ago but the links had died down in recent weeks. Now, it has emerged that the Blues have quickly reached an agreement with the American club for the talented shot-stopper and have agreed to loan him back.

The teenage shot-stopper has been subject of interest from the creme de la creme of Europe with Chelsea and Real Madrid being significant names linked with the player. Slonina has impressed this season with Chicago Fire and is destined for the very best.

The teenage sensation has played 19 times for the MLS club this season conceding just 27 goals and keeping seven clean sheets across all competitions. One of the biggest prospects in the North American league, it was only a matter of time before he makes the switch to Europe.

The deal that Chelsea have agreed with the MLS club for the 18-year-old wonderkid is said to be 10 million plus add-ons. The fact that he will be loaned out to Chicago Fire to continue his development is a great thing at least from the player’s perspective.

Chelsea have an excellent shot-stopper in Eduardo Mendy who can continue to be their number one for many years to come. The Senegalese international is very talented and has been extremely reliable between the sticks ever since he joined the Blues.

However, the same cannot be said about our backup options. Kepa Arrizzabalaga has been disappointing for the majority of the time he has spent at Stamford Bridge. There is no other name that crops up in the mind from the young crop and hence the Blues are wise in signing a talented young goalie.

What would have been detrimental to Slonina was if Chelsea signed him and made him sit on the bench. This would only have hampered his development but thankfully the Blues have been smart in loaning him back to the MLS side where he will receive regular playtime.

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Since he will remain at Chicago Fire, he will not find it tough adapting to a new club next season and can continue his good work next season. Nevertheless, it feels exciting to say, Gabriel Slonina will be a Chelsea player soon.