Sources: Gabriel Slonina set to be Chelsea long-term number one
Chelsea believe young shot-stopper Gabriel Slonina is capable of becoming the club’s long-term first-choice goalkeeper in the future, sources have told Football Insider.
The 18-year-old is highly regarded at Stamford Bridge and has impressed since joining up with his new side in January.
He is also well thought of in Major League Soccer – where he made his breakthrough as a 17-year-old with Chicago Fire.
A loan move is likely for Slonina in the 2023-24 campaign as he looks to take the next step in his development.
He has already made his senior debut for the United States, becoming the youngest-ever goalkeeper to represent the nation in a friendly clash with Serbia.
The 18-year-old was also eligible to represent Poland – but rejected a senior call-up from former coach Czesław Michniewicz in the run-up to the 2022 World Cup.
Despite his tender age, Slonina has already amassed 47 senior club appearances for Chicago Fire – keeping 16 clean sheets.
He cost Chelsea an initial reported fee of £8.1million – but that fee could rise even higher if performance-based add-ons are achieved.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (20 March) that Chelsea are ready to sell goalkeeper Edouard Mendy this summer following a breakdown in contract renewal talks.
The Blues are set to enter the market for a new first-choice shot-stopper this summer.
However, if they cannot land their top targets it is understood there is a possibility of Slonina being drafted in as a senior backup for Kepa Arrizabalaga, who is Graham Potter’s current number one.
Slonina’s only appearances in a Chelsea shirt to date have come as part of the Under-21 side in Premier League 2.
In other news, Football Insider updates as Chelsea and Man City battle to sign Romeo Lavia.