Chelsea ‘really close’ to making goalkeeper first signing of Boehly era

New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is close to making MLS goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina his first signing since taking charge of the club, according to reports.

As per Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are ‘really close’ to completing the signing of the 18-year-old, who currently plays for Chicago Fire.

The Italian journalist claims that La Liga champions Real Madrid have already had a bid rejected for the ‘keeper, who has made 24 appearances for Chicago since making his debut last year.

Romano claims that with Madrid’s offer having been rejected, Chelsea are now on the verge of landing the teenager, who will become the first signing of the post-Abramovich era at Stamford Bridge.

Slonina looks set to be on his way to London

Slonina will most likely join the club’s under-23s when he does arrive in London, but will be regarded as a long-term prospect to replace the likes of Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Thomas Tuchel already has both Marcus Bettinelli and Jamie Cumming as reserve options between the sticks, but Slonina has impressed on the other side of the Atlantic and is showing promise for the years ahead.

While Blues fans will be pleased with the signing of a promising young goalkeeper, the club’s supporters will undoubtedly be looking ahead to big name signings, with the likes of Raheem Sterling and Ousmane Dembele both linked with a move to west London.