Chelsea have reached an agreement with Chicago Fire for the transfer of Gabriel Slonina. The transfer fee agreed for the goalkeeper is $15 million, which is a little more than the €10 million initially rumoured for him. But, it is factoring in the bonuses that will be paid by the Blues.
The player is expected to fly to London to complete the medical for the transfer today. And he will be spending the remainder of the season with Chicago Fire before linking up with the rest of the squad in January at the end of the MLS campaign.
Gabriel Slonina all set to join Chelsea
The 18-year-old is expected to be an investment for the future of the club, and will likely inherit the spot between the sticks from Edouard Mendy. Chelsea used the same strategy for Thibaut Courtois, by signing him at the age of 19 in 2011 and loaning him to Atletico Madrid.
With Kepa Arrizabalaga reportedly leaving for Napoli, Gabriel Slonina could have a chance between the sticks in the latter half of the season. The American is quite highly rated, which justifies the price tag that Chelsea have paid for him.
This year with Chicago Fire, the young goalkeeper has kept ten clean sheets, conceding 28 goals in 23 games with a save percentage of 63.2%. Considering he is only 18 years old, and the number 1 of an MLS franchise, he can develop into a great option for Chelsea as he matures.
