US GK Slonina to join Chelsea after MLS season, per report

The Gabriel Slonina transfer saga is over, and it appears the American goalkeeping prospect is heading to West London.

Chelsea have agreed with MLS’s Chicago Fire to transfer the 18-year-old American, Per Sky Sports’ Fabrizio Romano, Premier League side will pay a $10 million base fee to Chicago athleticPaul TenorioAnd Slonina will join his new club in January after the conclusion of the MLS season.

Spanish giants Real Madrid seemed to be Slonina’s destination of choice throughout the summer. This year’s UEFA Champions League winners reportedly made a bid in June that was rejected by Fire. Nevertheless Slonina’s agent Jaime García said it was the young goalkeeper’s dream to play for Madrid, and he hoped the two clubs could reach an agreement.

“With regard to other clubs and other offers – we have received many and we are kind to those clubs – but you can’t say no to Real Madrid,” Garcia told MLSSoccer.com.

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Yet it is Chelsea, recently bought by American billionaire Todd Boehley, that will get the signing of the US international.

Slonina, better known as Gaga, is second in MLS this season in a clean sheet with 10 from 23 matches. Following a call-up to the Polish national team in May, the dual national announced that it would play its international football with the United States. While he doesn’t judge to be a factor in the upcoming World Cup – he has yet to make an appearance for the USMNT – Slonina is the US’ top goalkeeping prospect in years.