Chelsea have been dealt a significant transfer blow as the agent of Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina has declared his desire for the MLS side to facilitate a move to Real Madrid.
football.london understands Chelsea sounded out a move for Slonina in February, and there was confidence that an agreement would be reached for the 18-year-old. The deal would have potentially seen the goalkeeper stay with Fire until the end of the current season and potentially remain in the US for the duration of the 2023 campaign. Progress on the deal was halted when Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government, and as a result, Chelsea had to operate under a special licence that did not allow for transfers.
However, with Chelsea's takeover now complete, there was an expectation that the Blues would renew their efforts to sign Slonina, though it would be in a competitive field. Wolves are said to have registered their interest, and Bayern Munich are thought to be considering a move for the young shot-stopper. It appears Real Madrid are the team with the biggest advantage, though a fee still seems to be a stumbling block.
