Chelsea set to be beaten by Real Madrid in transfer race for goalkeeper Slonina

REAL MADRID are on the verge of making a bid for Chelsea transfer target Gabriel Slonina, according to reports.

The goalkeeper, 18, has caught the eye of several top European clubs this season with his performances for Chicago Fire.

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Chelsea have been keen on signing for Slonina for some time and came close to sealing a deal before being hit with sanctions in March, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Now the transfer guru reports Real’s interest in the shot-stopper, revealing the Spanish giants will soon submit an official proposal.

Slonina is reportedly regarded as a player for the future and is unlikely to rival Thibaut Courtois for his first-team place right away given the Belgian’s Champions League heroics.

But the American could decide against a move to the Bernabeu with Bayern Munich also said to be interested.

First-choice Manuel Neuer is now 36-years-old so Bayern need to think long-term, and Slonina is under consideration.

Thomas Tuchel could also try and persuade him to move to Stamford Bridge – a move that could allow Chelsea to offload Kepa Arrizzabalaga.

The Blues are said to be open to offers for the Spaniard with Newcastle previously linked with a move.

Arsenal have already purchased an American goalkeeper for the summer with Matt Turner set to team up with Mikel Arteta’s side after agreeing to join in February.

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Turner cost the Gunners just £7.5million – a fee that will be recouped through the likely sale of Bernd Leno this summer.