Chelsea are set to make an official offer to Chicago Fire for goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina after agreeing personal terms with the player, according to reports.
The 18-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to west London since earlier in the year, having impressed during his limited time in the MLS so far.
He has made a total of 31 appearances for Chicago Fire, keeping 12 clean sheets.
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It could be a summer of change at Chelsea in terms of goalkeeping options, with Kepa Arrizabalaga being linked with a departure after four seasons at the club.
Napoli are thought to be interested in the Spaniard, who is currently the number two choice behind Edouard Mendy for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
While Slonina may not see an immediate inclusion into the first team should he sign, he could be one for the future as the club enter their new chapter under American ownership.
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According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have already reached a deal in regards to personal terms with the player, with his agent Jaime Garcia informing his current club about such an agreement.
The Blues are now ready to submit their official bid to Chicago Fire for their American 'keeper having reached a verbal agreement with them, with a deal said to be around £10 million plus add-ons.
Once he signs, Slonina will remain at the MLS club on loan, with the youngster now competing in his second senior season at the club.
Such news comes as no surprise, with reports earlier in the week revealing that the club are preparing to make their offer for the highly rated goalkeeper.
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He could be one of a host of new signings that come through the door at Chelsea this summer, with the west London outfit looking to compete for the Premier League title next season.
Such a feat will be far from easy for them though, with Manchester City and Liverpool being the runaway favourites towards the end of the previous campaign.
However Tuchel’s side have already made a strong statement in the transfer market, signing Raheem Sterling from City in a deal worth around £47.5 million.
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He has been named as their first new addition of the summer, with Kalidou Koulibaly set to be the second as he completes his move from Napoli.
Chelsea will kick-off their pre-season schedule with a friendly against Club America on Sunday morning, before facing Charlotte FC and Arsenal during the rest of their tour in the United States.
Topics: Gabriel Slonina, Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours
Robert Calcutt