Chelsea Make New Effort To Sign Chicago Fire Goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina

Football.London says Chelsea will renew their efforts to sign Slonina this summer after a deal for the Chicago Fire goalkeeper broke down earlier this year following the sanctioning of Roman Abramovich.

The 18-year-old established himself as Fire's first-choice stopper during the 2021 campaign and has started each of their 13 MLS matches so far this term. An imposing presence despite his tender years, Slonina has kept five clean sheets this season, a noteworthy feat given Chicago are bottom of the Eastern Conference.

It's understood Chelsea sounded out a move for Slonina in February, and there was confidence that a deal could be struck for the teenager, who would have remained with Fire until the end of the current season and potentially even for the 2023 campaign. However, on March 12, Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government.

The takeover by the Todd Boehly-led consortium will enable Chelsea to enter the transfer market once again. And while the immediate focus is on replacing departing stars and strengthening Thomas Tuchel's first-team squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, the Blues are expected to reignite their interest in Slonina.

Source: Tribalfootball