Chelsea’s new signing Gabriel Slonina set to join squad this week - how much was he, why is he joining late?

New Chelsea signing Gabriel Slonina is set to link up with his new Chelsea team mates for the first time this week. The 18-year-old signed for Chelsea before the current Premier League season began, but has yet to be fully integrated into his new squad.

One of football’s most trusted journalists, Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news on October 10, taking to twitter to say "New face @ Cobham. Gabriel Slonina will fly to London on Wednesday and join Chelsea for the following 13 days, as the MLS regular season is over.”

The Italian continued: “Right after, Slonina will come back to USA for USMNT camp. Chelsea paid $15m to sign him from Chicago Fire."

It won’t be the American’s first time at Cobham, as Slonina spent a brief period over there to undergo his medical and sign his new contract. Upon signing back in August, he said: “Honoured to join such a massive club with so much history. It’s a privilege to wear the badge of the best side in London.

"Thank you to all the fans for the warm welcome. Can’t wait to get started. Thank you to everyone at the club for making a childhood dream come true & thank you to the fans for an amazing warm welcome. The hard work starts now. #ThePrideOfLondon.”

Why is he just joining now?

As Slonina was signed for the future, he was immediately loaned back to Chicago Fire. He is now set to join Chelsea for the next two weeks as Fire’s season has just finished, ending in a 1-1 draw at home to New England Revolution on October 9.

Slonina didn’t appear in his side’s 1-1 draw, and has not featured for the Fire since September after sustaining a head injury.

How much did Chelsea pay for Gabriel Slonina?

Slonina is seen as a big prospect, and Chelsea paid Chicago Fire around £12 million for his services, but is still a big fee for an 18-year-old.