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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Nizaar Kinsella

Chelsea weigh up Gabriel Slonina loan move as summer signing trains under Graham Potter for first time

Chelsea are exploring potential loan options for their £12million summer signing Gabriel Slonina, who trained with the club for the first time last week.

The 18-year-old has been discussing his future at Stamford Bridge after arriving in London for the first time since his switch from Major League Soccer.

The Blues believe a loan move would be best for Slonina's development after seeing him complete one final MLS season at boyhood club Chicago Fire.

Fire could yet take Slonina back after a period of training alongside Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy at Cobham. However, options in Europe and particularly the Championship are also being explored.

Gabriel Slonina has been training with Chelsea for the first time since his £12m summer move (Getty Images)

There is not huge urgency to find Slonina a move with the World Cup coming up in a few weeks and with the teenager in contention to make the USA squad for Qatar under head coach Gregg Belhalter.

It is hoped that Slonina can develop in training ahead of a loan move being lined up by January. He attended both of Chelsea's Premier League matches last week, watching his new team draw with both Brentford and Manchester United.

At Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Slonina was introduced to Red Devils legend Peter Schmeichel by goalkeeping coach Hilario, who accompanied him to his first home game.

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