Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

Two deals in one day for Chelsea as Blues follow Aston Villa agreement with Gabriel Slonina arrival

Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina

It has been a successful day for Chelsea in the summer transfer window, as they have agreed to sign Carney Chukwuemeka and announced the arrival of Gabriel Slonina.

The Blues’ two marquee signings so far have been Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly. They were hoping to land Raphinha and Jules Kounde as well, only to lose out to Barcelona on both occasions.

Chelsea have dusted themselves down from these disappointments and struck an agreement with Villa for Chukwuemeka. Fabrizio Romano claims the deal is worth an initial £15million, while the midfielder is set to pen a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

And Chelsea have also improved Thomas Tuchel’s squad by capturing American goalkeeper Slonina from Chicago Fire.

Romano once again provides an insight on the move. It is worth £12.5million ($15m), which includes add-ons.

He has penned a six-year deal with the Blues, just like new team-mate Chukwuemeka.

However, Tuchel will not be able to utilise him until the new year. That’s because Slonina, a US U20 international, has gone back to Chicago Fire on loan. The temporary switch will last until January 1.

Slonina is a promising young shot-stopper, who has already made 34 appearances in MLS. If Christian Pulisic remains at Chelsea then he will help Slonina settle in west London as they are compatriots.

Gabriel Slonina a signing for the future

Slonina is unlikely to become Chelsea’s first-choice keeper any time soon. After all, he is only 18 years old and has plenty of development to do.

Tuchel’s number one is Edouard Mendy, while Kepa Arrizabalaga and Marcus Bettinelli are also at Chelsea. Having said that, Arrizabalaga is close to joining Italian side Napoli on loan.

But Slonina is a fantastic option for the future and could end up replacing Mendy once the Senegalese opts to hang up his gloves. He is 30, which isn’t too old for a keeper.

Chelsea are not finished in the transfer market after agreeing Chukwuemeka’s move and landing Slonina. They want to raid Leicester City for centre-back Wesley Fofana.

And the Foxes star has made three hints on social media that he could swap Leicester for Chelsea this summer.