According to journalist Tom Bogert, Chelsea are now favourites to sign Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gaga Slonina.
“Chelsea are much closer than [Real] Madrid to reaching a deal with the Fire, which now puts Chelsea in pole position. Nothing has been agreed yet, the situation is fluid. It would include a loan return for the 18-year-old,” Bogert wrote on Twitter.
Ten days ago, Real Madrid had a bid rejected for the US youth international goalkeeper.
Chelsea and Wolves are among clubs that have held talks for Slonina.
Chicago Fire were reportedly expecting another offer from Madrid after they rejected the Spanish club’s opening bid.
Slonina has represented the USA at U15, U16, U17, and U20 levels. On 21 January 2022, he was called into the USMNT’s World Cup Qualifying camp but has yet to make his full senior debut under Gregg Berhalter.
In August 2021, he made his professional debut for the Chicago Fire against New York City FC, becoming the youngest starting keeper in league history at 17 years and 81 days.
GSFN
