Chelsea ‘reach verbal agreement with Chicago Fire for £8m Gabriel Slonina as they close in on first summer transfer’
CHELSEA are closing in on Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, who is set to become the first signing of the Todd Boehly era.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Blues have reached a verbal agreement with the MLS outfit for Slonina, 18.
Boehly held “direct talks” with Chicago Fire and reached a $10million (£8m) deal, which is expected to rise as there will also be add-ons.
The American keeper will spend this coming season on loan at the Illinois outfit, as per the agreement.
Chelsea are expected to make an “official bid” at some point this week to seal the deal.
Romano tweeted: “Chelsea have reached verbal agreement with Chicago Fire for Gabriel Slonina, after direct talks between Todd Boehly and MLS club.
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“10m deal plus add-ons, he’d stay at Chicago on loan.
“Chelsea are expected to submit official bid this week in order to get the deal done.”
Slonina’s move to Chelsea was at risk of collapsing earlier this month after club legend Petr Cech resigned from his role as technical and performance advisor.
However, the 18-year-old seems set to join Thomas Tuchel’s squad despite Cech’s recent departure.
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Slonina joined Chicago Fire’s academy in 2016 and was promoted to the first team last year.
The USA international has since amassed a total of 30 appearances across all competitions for the American side.
He is expected to become Chelsea’s first signing since Boehly’s consortium took over at Stamford Bridge.
The West Londoners are also trying to complete a deal for Manchester City star Raheem Sterling, who underwent a medical in London ahead of a £50m move.