A fresh insight into the ongoing tug-of-war over the signature of Chicago Fire star Gabriel Slonina has been provided on Saturday afternoon.
For those not aware, shot-stopper Slonina is currently making a name for himself in his home country of the United States.
This comes with the starlet, at just 18 years of age, having long secured no.1 status with the Chicago Fire, after making his way through the club’s academy over the course of the last six years.
To this point in the current MLS campaign, with Chicago struggling badly at the foot of the Eastern Conference standings, Slonina has nevertheless impressed, en route to clean sheets in five of his 14 appearances.
And such stellar form at such a young age, in turn, is understood to have piqued the attentions of a number of European football’s giants.
CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 30: Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina reacts during a game between the Chicago Fire and the New York Red Bulls on April 30, 2022 at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
As per a report from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Spanish giants and Champions League holders Real Madrid went as far as to table an offer for Slonina last week.
The bid, however, was ultimately knocked back.
And this appears to have opened the door to Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea, now back in talks with the youngster’s representatives after coming up short in their own efforts to secure his signature back in February.
A definitive decision on Slonina’s landing spot, in turn, is expected imminently, ahead of ‘one of MLS’ record transfers’.
Important hours ahead for Gabriel Slonina transfer. Real Madrid made official bid turned down by Chicago Fire last week – but Chelsea are also in talks to sign him, after being really close last February ??? #CFC
Decision to be made soon – gonna be one of MLS record transfers. pic.twitter.com/yrAYjITU6T
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 11, 2022
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