Chelsea will renew their efforts to sign Gabriel Slonina this summer – football.london understands – after a deal for the Chicago Fire goalkeeper broke down earlier this year following the sanctioning of Roman Abramovich.
The 18-year-old established himself as Fire's first-choice stopper during the 2021 campaign and has started each of their 13 MLS matches so far this term. An imposing presence despite his tender years, Slonina has kept five clean sheets this season, a noteworthy feat given Chicago are bottom of the Eastern Conference.
It's understood Chelsea sounded out a move for Slonina in February, and there was confidence that a deal could be struck for the teenager, who would have remained with Fire until the end of the current season and potentially even for the 2023 campaign. However, on March 12, Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government.
READ MORE: Levi Colwill interest, Conor Gallagher call - Thomas Tuchel has five Chelsea transfer decisions
That abruptly halted Chelsea's attempts to seal a deal for Slonina; the Blues were able to continue operating under a special licence but could not conduct any transfer business or sign new contracts with players, something that impacted the club's attempts to keep Antonio Rudiger at Stamford Bridge.
Yet the takeover by the Todd Boehly-led consortium will enable Chelsea to enter the transfer market once again. And while the immediate focus is on replacing departing stars and strengthening Thomas Tuchel's first-team squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, the Blues are expected to reignite their interest in Slonina.
They will not have a clear run at the American, however. Wolverhampton Wanderers have registered their interest but are not yet close to meeting Fire's asking price. Bayern Munich, meanwhile, are considering a move as they attempt to find a long-term heir for Manuel Neuer, who is contracted until 2024.
The next step Slonina takes in his career is an important one, especially if he is to fulfil his ambition of becoming the best in his position in the world game. "I strive to want to be the greatest goalkeeper in the world," Slonina told ESPN's Futbol Americas in November.
"So I think I'm just going to keep putting in that work, making sure I take the right steps toward that direction every single day."
