Real Madrid could face defeat in the race to sign Gabriel Slonina, with the Chicago Fire goalkeeper reportedly closing in on joining Chelsea.
According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Gabriel Slonina’s next destination seems to be Chelsea. The Blues are talking with Chicago Fire to seal a €10 million deal to sign the 18-year-old goalkeeper in the summer transfer window, with Real Madrid losing the race to secure his services.
Gabriel Slonina has two of the biggest clubs in Europe chasing him after making a solid impression since joining Chicago Fire half a dozen years ago. The American shot-stopper made his first-team debut for the Major League Soccer club last year, becoming the youngest starting goalkeeper in MLS history at 17 years, 81 days.
Chicago Fire’s 2022 campaign has been off to a rocky start, but Slonina has been decent enough thus far, featuring 13 times while keeping five clean sheets. The 18-year-old’s progress has not gone unnoticed either, with several European bigwigs, including Real Madrid and Chelsea, setting their sights on him.
The interest from Chelsea stems from the rising uncertainties surrounding the future of Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Spanish goalkeeper is unhappy with his situation at Stamford Bridge and will likely seek a summer departure from Chelsea to feature prominently at the club level in the 2022/23 season.
Gabriel Slonina deal update. Chelsea are now really close to signing the talented goalkeeper, they are pushing after Real Madrid bid rejected – talks are in progress with Chelsea to get the deal done soon. ?? #CFC
€10m fee expected by Chicago for 2004-born GK Slonina. pic.twitter.com/N2cUflb5Vx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 12, 2022
Chelsea recently submitted an offer to sign Slonina, and their talks with Chicago Fire are progressing smoothly, according to Romano. With the west Londoners leading the race to sign the 18-year-old, Real Madrid will face an uphill task to secure his services in the summer transfer window despite his desire to join Los Blancos.
Real Madrid’s interest in Slonina comes in the wake of a Kepa-like situation brewing at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Ukrainian international is unsettled at Real Madrid as he barely features due to the excellence of Thibaut Courtois. And Lunin could leave the Merengues either on loan or permanently this summer to secure regular game-time elsewhere.
But Chicago Fire recently rejected an offer by Real Madrid, while their discussions with Chelsea are progressing well. According to Fabrizio Romano, the two parties could finalise a deal worth €10 million, with Slonina closing in on joining the Blues instead of Real Madrid this summer. It will be interesting to see if the Spanish giants change the tide anytime soon and usurp Chelsea to secure his signature.
