After Real Madrid had reported a surprise interest in young American goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, the MLS star is now the subject of a transfer bid from another top club. According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea has levied an offer of €10 million ($10.5 million) for the services of the 18-year-old Chicago Fire goalkeeper, a bid which is reportedly ahead of what Real Madrid had put forth.

Romano indicates that Chelsea is close to finalizing the transfer for Slonina, who has impressed as a regular in the Chicago Fire's starting lineup. Chicago recently rejected Real Madrid's latest offer for Slonina, but it seems the bid worth more than $10 million from Chelsea is too good to pass up. Despite hoping to keep the 18-year-old in Chicago, it seems he's set for a move to the Premier League, with the final steps being put on the deal between the two clubs.

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Slonina only turned 18 in May, but has clearly caught the eye of some of the biggest clubs in the entire world. Despite the interest from Real Madrid, Chelsea seems to have its sights set on the American goalkeeper, who could become the first signing under the Todd Boehly regime.

Slonina has started 14 games for the Chicago Fire this season, earning the starting job at the age of 17. He made his MLS debut last season as a 16-year-old, featuring in a total of 11 matches throughout the season. He's likely years away from getting a true chance in the first team at Chelsea, but they're paying a significant fee to bring him to the club, so they certainly have a plan in place for the future star.