Chicago Fire Awaiting Chelsea Decision On Gabriel Slonina Amid Fears Deal Could Collapse

It remains to be seen as to whether a deal for Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina to join Chelsea will fall through this summer, according to reports.

The American was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, with it believed that he would be the first signing for the Men's first team under the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership.

Chelsea were said to be ‘really close’ to the signing after agreeing a €10 million fee with Chicago Fire.

This comes as Kepa Arrizabalaga is set for crunch talks with Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel over his future, having returned to training at Cobham this week. 

Kepa Arrizabalaga of Chelsea during the Carabao Cup match at Brentford Community Stadium. (Alamy)

“It depends what he wants and what his plans are,” Tuchel said previously over whether or not the Spaniard would remain at Chelsea next season.

 “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.”

However, Kepa’s future remains unclear as a deal for Slonina could fail to materialise.

Fabrizio Romano has now reported that the Blues had a verbal agreement to purchase riel Slonina for €10 million this summer. 

However, following the departure of Petr Cech, it remains to be seen as to whether the deal could collapse. 

Cech helped to bring Edouard Mendy to Stamford Bridge back in 2020, working with Christophe Lollichon, who has also left the club this summer.

It remains to be seen as to whether Boehly and Tuchel, who are running the operations during the transfer window, will still proceed with a deal.

This could potentially open things up for Real Madrid, who were previously battling Chelsea to sign the young goalkeeper.

A decision will have to be made regarding the number two spot at Stamford Bridge for the upcoming season, as well as regarding any incomings in the position this summer.

Mendy is expected to stay as the first choice goalkeeper ahead of the new season.