Real Madrid will face heavy competition from Chelsea in the summer transfer window to recruit Gabriel Slonina from Chicago Fire, according to Spanish publication Relevo. The Blues have made a substantial offer to capture the young American goalkeeper’s services.
Since joining Chicago Fire as a 12-year-old in 2016, Gabriel Slonina has piqued the interest of scouts all around Europe. Following his first-team debut for the Major League Soccer club in August 2021, the teenage wonderkid has made great development in the previous year as one of the brightest young shot-stoppers in the United States.
At 17 years, 81 days, the 18-year-old became the youngest starting goalie in MLS history, and he’s been a rock for the Chicago Fire this season, appearing 13 times and maintaining five clean sheets. Slonina’s rise hasn’t gone unnoticed, with numerous European powerhouses, like Real Madrid and Chelsea, eyeing him.
Real Madrid’s interest arises from the uncertainty surrounding Andriy Lunin’s future. While Carlo Ancelotti admires the Ukrainian goalie, he wants to play frequently for his team and might leave the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer.
Slonina is therefore a possible Real Madrid target, with the 18-year-agent old’s recently confirming his desire to join Los Blancos during the summer transfer window. However, Real Madrid will have to compete with Chelsea for the services of the American goalkeeping sensation.
Chelsea’s interest in Slonina comes as the future of Kepa Arrizabalaga becomes more questionable. After falling behind Edouard Mendy in the pecking order for goalkeepers at Chelsea, the Spanish international will aim to start on a new adventure this summer. Slonina is also a viable long-term replacement for Kepa at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have made a hefty offer for Slonina, but his agent’s new statements should put Real Madrid in a stronger position to sign him. It will be intriguing to see whether Chelsea can beat Real Madrid to Slonina’s signature as the summer transfer season approaches.
Si Lunin se va, el preferido del Madrid para suplirle es David Ospina, guardameta colombiano del Nápoles, aunque hay dudas en cómo acataría su rol a sus 33 años.
El club tiene una lista en la recámara por si hay que buscar otras opciones. Una de ellas, parece que se esfuma… pic.twitter.com/62CK44iWLl
— Relevo (@relevo) June 11, 2022
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