Chelsea not interested in loaning out USMNT star this January

USMNT shot-stopper Gabriel Slonina expected to stay with Chelsea not keen on January loan

Chelsea have no intentions of sending United States shot-stopper Gabriel Slonina out on loan in the ongoing transfer window, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano on Twitter.

The 18-year-old is expected to stay at the Stamford Bridge side for the rest of the campaign and work with the rest of the squad. Graham Potter already has three goalkeepers at his disposal in Kepa Arrizabalaga, Edouard Mendy and Marcus Bettinelli.

Slonina recently made his debut for his national side against Serbia, becoming the youngest to do so. While the USA lost 2-1 to Serbia, the 18-year-old made some impressive saves in the match.

Chelsea signed the shot-stopper in the summer of 2022 from Major League Soccer outfit Chicago Fire. He spent the first half of the season at the American side.

The Blues are currently struggling defensively. Mendy had been a reliable goalkeeper for the Stamford Bridge side since moving to the club in the summer of 2020.

However, the Senegal international has had a rocky few months in West London. As a result, Kepa has seen himself get back into the team. But while the Spaniard has a few good moments, he is not consistent enough.

Potter has found life hard in the Chelsea dugout. The Blues have not had the best of times recently, sitting 10th in the Premier League table. We are also out of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

In the current campaign, the Stamford Bridge side have conceded 21 goals in the English top flight. Our lack of output in the front line has made the season even more difficult.

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Slonina has the potential to be a quality goalkeeper. The American will gain a bit of experience staying around the Chelsea squad. However, will the youngster be given opportunities to play for the first team in the coming months? It remains to be seen.