Leeds ‘submit offer’ for Argentina star but Bielsa needs to work magic

Adolfo.Gaich_.Benevento.2021.TEAMtalk1

Reports claim Leeds United have submitted a bid for CSKA Moscow star Adolfo Gaich but the striker has his eyes on a move to Italy.

The 22-year-old joined the Muscovites from Argentine club San Lorenzo last summer. He had shot to the attention of European clubs after bagging eight goals from 28 appearances with the Buenos Aires outfit. But things did not go as planned in the Russian capital and he was loaned to Serie A club Benevento in January.

The youngster failed to find the net in 13 Russian top-flight games but bagged once in the Europa League. The move to Stadio Ciro Vigorito saw him handed nine Italian top-flight starts among 15 outings.

The Argentina international scored two league goals but could not prevent Gli Stregoni from being relegated. Now back at VEB Arena, it appears as though there is no future for the South American at CSKA.

TuttoMercatoWeb (via Sport Witness) report that he is ‘destined to leave’ the club in the off-season. The same report adds that ‘there is an offer from Leeds United’ but the player ‘prefers a new experience’ in Italy.

Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds manager watches on against West Brom, 23/05/2021, TEAMtalk

Gaich’s preference does not preclude a move to Elland Road as there may not be any takers in Italy. And the link to the West Yorkshire outfit makes sense due to Marcelo Bielsa.

The Argentine tactician was linked with a swoop for his compatriot last summer but nothing materialised at the time. The rangy forward would be a risky signing as he is still to prove himself on the biggest stage.

But Bielsa does have a history of getting the best out of young talents in his charge.

Gaich a long shot but Lang talks ‘confirmed’

Bielsa has already turned Jack Harrison’s three-year loan stint into a permanent deal. Junior Firpo has arrived from Barcelona as the Whites look to contend with ‘second-season syndrome’.

And the latest man linked is Club Brugge wide man Noa Lang. They are in competition with Spanish club Sevilla for his signature.

The Netherlands Under-21 ace bagged 17 goals in all competitions for the Belgians last term while on loan from Ajax. His loan deal had an obligation to buy and he is now on the Brugge books – but possibly not for long.

Jack Harrison, Antonee Robinson

The 22-year-old is already off the mark in 2021-22. He scored in Club Brugge’s 3-2 win over Genk in the Belgian Super Cup on July 17.

Leeds’ interest was confirmed by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, with £20m reportedly needed to get the deal done.

READ MORE: Leeds supremo Victor Orta has clear opening to land Euro 2020 star