Chelsea sign Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina

It was reported in early June that Spanish giants Real Madrid had a bid rejected for Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gabriel "Gaga" Slonina, who pledged his international future to the United States Men's National Team even though Poland, the birth country of his parents, were also interested in landing his services. 

A different team has swooped in and met Chicago's asking price. 

Per an ESPN piece, English Premier League club Chelsea signed Slonina for a reported base fee of $10 million. Add-ons could increase the fee to $15 million when all is said and done, and Chicago will receive a percentage of any future transfer fee Chelsea earn from selling the 18-year-old. Additionally, Slonina signed a six-year contract with the Blues but will remain with the Fire through the rest of the Major League Soccer season and then join Chelsea on Jan. 1 of next year. 

Previously, Slonina was also linked with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton. In total, he has thus far made 34 appearances for the Fire and kept 14 clean sheets. 

"I joined this club with ambitions of playing at the highest level and it’s been a dream come true to wear the Chicago Fire jersey," Slonina said in a statement shared by Jonathan Sigal of the MLS website. "This club has become my second home, my second family, and there are so many people that have played a big role in helping me get to where I am today. I’m so thankful for all the support that I’ve received from my family, coaches, teammates, and everyone associated with the club. It’s been an incredible honor to work alongside each one of you.

"To the fans, I want to thank you all for supporting a local boy from Addison. You have inspired me to work my hardest day in and day out. I promise that I will continue to give everything in these final 11 games to help get us back into the playoffs and compete for a championship."