Reports have claimed that Chelsea have decided to loan out 18-year-old Gabriel Slonina from as early as January this season.
According to 90min, the goalkeeper is already wanted by several Championship sides who are looking to strengthen between the sticks.
The highly-rated American teenager was one of Todd Boehly’s first signings as Chelsea owner, however in truth the groundwork into bringing him in occurred way before he took over the club.
A phone call from Petr Cech, formally working with the club, was essential in making Slonina’s mind up, and he joined the club despite competition from Real Madrid.
After spending this campaign on loan with his old club, Chicago Fire, news broke earlier this week that he is now set to meet up with his Chelsea teammates on Wednesday and begin training with the squad.
Slonina set for loan
This opportunity should give Graham Potter as well as the goalkeeping specialists at the club a chance to assess what the future should look like for Slonina.
90min have claimed that the Blues would ideally like to see him loaned to a club competing in European football, whether that be Europa League or Conference League.
The report goes on to say that a move to the Championship could be more likely, with there already being a number of sides keen to bring him in.
Chelsea will be keen to ensure wherever he ends up, he is able to be handed opportunities to start games, with the league known for being a good place for young goalkeepers to learn their craft.
The Blues also have a good history of loaning players to the second tier. Mason Mount broke out at Derby County, while Reece James showed flashes of his brilliance when on loan with Wigan Athletic.