Arsenal ‘closely following’ most exciting talent to deprive relegated Leeds of, as Man City battle for forward
Arsenal are keeping a close eye on what Leeds United decide to do with Willy Gnonto in the upcoming transfer window, according to reports in his native Italy.
After suffering relegation to the Championship, Leeds are at risk of losing several players this summer. Gnonto has been one of their most exciting talents this season, despite his gametime decreasing under Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce.
Leeds only signed Gnonto from FC Zurich last summer, but he has done enough to attract some stronger clubs. Therefore, he featured on our list of 10 players likely to leave Leeds following relegation.
The idea of him staying at Elland Road hasn’t been ruled out. At the age of 19, he is young enough that a season in the Championship might be useful to his development rather than a waste of time. Furthermore, he is understood to be happy in Leeds.
However, Gnonto’s employers will be bracing themselves for interest in his services this summer. And according to Calciomercato, Arsenal are ‘following’ him ‘closely’.
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It was a much more successful season for Arsenal, who finished as runners up to Man City in the Premier League. Not taking their chance to win the title will be weighing on the long-time leaders’ minds, but they have put the foundations in place to be more competitive again.
Several young talents have flourished under the guidance of Mikel Arteta. Therefore, Gnonto could be another who appeals to them.
Champions League football will be on offer at the Emirates Stadium next season after Arsenal’s second-place finish.
Man City keen on Gnonto as well
Coincidentally, they face competition for his signature from the team that beat them to the title, Man City. Pep Guardiola’s side also admire Gnonto and are equally on his trail.
For the time being, both of them – as well as anyone who wants to take the former Inter academy product back to Serie A – will be waiting to find out what Leeds are intending to do.
Losing Gnonto after one season, in which he didn’t even get to show all of his potential, would be a bitter blow for Leeds. But these are the kind of consequences that come with relegation, unfortunately.
Besides, if they need to raise funds, Gnonto could be one of their most marketable assets. His asking price is not yet clear, though.
Yet the potential Gnonto has makes him one of the most exciting players anyone could pick up from the relegated Leeds squad. With that in mind, his future will continue to be a big topic throughout the summer transfer window.