Chelsea ready to send £12m keeper Gabriel Slonina out on loan transfer already after Kepa’s resurgence in goal
CHELSEA are ready to send reserve goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina out on loan amid Kepa Arrizabalaga's resurgence.
The Spanish keeper was once a laughing stock at Stamford Bridge and made a series of high-profile mistakes after his big-money move in 2018.
The goalie briefly developed a reputation as a penalty expert before an unfortunate incident in the League Cup final last season once again left him being ridiculed.
But he has experienced a sudden return to form after returning from the Chelsea bench.
An injury to out-of-form Edouard Mendy opened the door for Kepa to return.
And while his opening performances were steady, Kepa really announced his return with a stunning string of saves against Villa.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
His form has kept Mendy on the bench, and means Chelsea have two capable goalkeepers ready to rotate during the busy pre-World Cup schedule.
The report that there is now the possibility of another loan move for Slonina amid Kepa's upturn in form.
The young American keeper signed a six-year deal in August and was one of a number of summer signings.
Although he is highly-rated, it would likely be difficult for the 18-year-old to hold down a regular place in goal once he returns from his loan to the MLS in January.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS - BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
He did train with the first-team for the first time this week under Graham Potter during a trip to London.
The club are believed to be exploring loan options in the Championship or in Europe.
Slonina is in contention to be in the USA squad for the World Cup and will be looking to impress in his final months at Chicago Fire.
Kepa is also on a mission to work his way into his international squad for Qatar.
The Spaniard's recent form may have done him plenty of favours, with the performance against Villa followed up with decent saves in draws against Brentford and Manchester United.