Chelsea were in ‘advanced talks’ over completing the transfer of a talented youngster before the UK government imposed sanctions on the club.
The Blues’ operating capacity has been restricted as a consequence of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with Roman Abramovich, an alleged close ally of Vladimir Putin, having had his UK-based assets frozen, Chelsea included.
As a result, Chelsea have been hamstrung, and while they are having no problems on the field of play throughout this period they’re spending sanctioned, it is hurting them behind the scenes.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano took to Twitter to reveal that the club were closing in on the acquisition of a talented young goalkeeper, with a deal all but done, but recent events have scuppered their plans to sign him.
Chelsea were in advanced talks to sign talented Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina [born in 2004]. The plan was to sign Slonina for €6/7m fee, then loan him back to Chicago until 2023 🇺🇸 #CFC
Talks have now broken down due to UK sanctions.
📲 More: https://t.co/b8bqGOQAa6 pic.twitter.com/SzbAsJoj9B
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 25, 2022
It remains to be seen if the club will opt to continue their pursuit of Slonina once the takeover process has been completed and new owners are in power. For now, though, they’re unable to sign him or anyone else.
