<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Chelsea is closing in on a $10million (£8.2m) swoop for 18-year-old Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gaga Slonina, with the American heading back to his Major League Soccer team on loan to finish the 2022 season and aid its playoff bid.</span><br></div><div><br></div><div>The fee is expected to rise with add-ons based on Slonina's future achievements. The teenager is highly rated in the States and Real Madrid have previously been linked with a move.</div><div><br></div><div>Chicago coach Ezra Hendrickson said in his press conference after the Fire's 0-0 draw with Atlanta that Slonina is nearing a transfer.</div><div><br></div><div>'There's something close, but nothing has been signed yet so I can't really speak of that,' he said. 'But there's something very close to happening with that.</div><div><br></div><div>'I think the kid deserves it. There's no signature yet or anything so I really can't speak on details as far as that goes.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>'But I'm happy for the kid and it shows that we have some good talent, some good young talent here in this organization.'</div><div><br></div><div>He made his debut on August 4, 2021 for the Fire against New York City, becoming the youngest keeper to start a MLS game at 17 years and 81 days. He kept a clean sheet as the match ended 0-0.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Slonina is of Polish descent but has pledged his future to the United States. He has been called up by the USMNT before but is yet to make a senior international appearance.</div><div><br></div><div>He is expected to be in the World Cup team later this year, where the United States meet England, Iran and Wales in their group.</div><div><br></div><div>Saturday's 0-0 draw was Slonina's 10th clean sheet in 23 appearances for the Fire this season.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Chicago is eight place in the Eastern Conferences standings, two points outside a playoff spot.</div><div><br></div><div>Chelsea, meanwhile, is expected to send No 2 keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan to Italian Serie A side Napoli. The London club was recently bought by Todd Boehly, the Los Angeles Dodgers owner. -dailymail</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/TR</div>