‘Let me clarify’: Fabrizio Romano now says Chelsea FC seeking to sign 18-year-old
Chelsea FC are working on a deal to sign Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gaga Slonina, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Following an update to his Twitter followers, the Italian journalist provided some additional details about Chelsea FC’s interest in the 18-year-old shot-stopper on his podcast last week.
Chelsea FC are still working on a deal to bring the teenager to Stamford Bridge, but not as a replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to Romano.
Instead, as they look to bolster their roster this summer, the Blues consider the American goalie as “one for the future.”
Slonina was on the verge of joining Chelsea FC earlier this year, but the deal fell through.
According to the Italian journalist, the Blues are now pushing to complete the trade.
Chelsea FC are now in talks with the Chicago Fire to finalise the trade, with the Blues offering roughly €10 million plus add-ons for the shot-stopper.
Speaking on his Here We Go podcast last week, Romano said: “I can confirm Chelsea are working on a deal for Gaga Slonina.
“Let me clarify – firstly Slonina won’t be a replacement for Kepa. They’re not signing Slonina to become the second goalkeeper this season. They’re working to sign Slonina because they see him as one for the future, a top talent for the future.
“He was one step away from joining in Chelsea in February but they had the sanctions so it was impossible to complete the deal. Now they’ve made a proposal to Chicago Fire. They’re negotiating the details of the proposal. It’s around €10m including add-ons.
“The player’s side is super happy to join Chelsea. Slonina is going to stay at Chicago Fire on loan because he needs to improve.”
Slonina was born in Addison, Illinois, and has represented the United States at several juvenile levels.
He has made 25 first-team appearances for the Chicago Fire over the last two seasons after making his MLS debut in August of last year.
Meanwhile, Romano has confirmed that Romelu Lukaku is looking to leave Chelsea this summer, with the striker preferring a return to Inter Milan.
“He wants to go,” Romano said of Lukaku. “He wants to join Inter. It is not a negotiation between Inter and Chelsea, it is between Lukaku and Chelsea to understand what they can accept for him to leave the club this summer.
“It’ll be a loan deal because Inter can’t pay for a permanent deal. What kind of loan deal? Will there be clause? How much is the loan fee? What is the split of the salary? Inter are basically waiting to see what happens.”
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‘Let me clarify’: Fabrizio Romano now says Chelsea FC seeking to sign 18-year-old
