Transfer Gossip: Boehly plans Chelsea mega-deal to sign Leeds man as replacement for Liverpool bound star; Arsenal battle Tottenham for £26m Montpellier sensation

Chelsea are ready to make a massive move to sign a Leeds Utd star who they want as a replacement for a Liverpool target, a Manchester United full-back is wanted by three Championship sides, though a Premier League struggler could also make a move, while Thursday’s Transfer Gossip claims Arsenal are battling Tottenham for a prolific Ligue 1 striker.

LEEDS STAR FIRMLY ON TODD BOEHLY CHELSEA WISHLIST

Chelsea are reportedly making a Leeds United star an express transfer target this summer – with Todd Boehly a huge admirer of the player.

The Blues have spent around £500m on new players since the American’s takeover last summer. And with 17 players arriving at Stamford Bridge in just two transfer windows, their rapid recruitment shows no signs of easing soon.

Now it seems plans for the summer window are starting to take shape – and the ambitious American is plotting a massive raid on Leeds.

The player in question is Willy Gnonto, the Italian teenager who has enjoyed a brilliant start to life at Leeds. He has four goals and three assists to his name in his first season in the Premier League, proving a £5.2m snip from FC Zurich.

Now it seems Leeds will have a fight on their hands to retain his services.

As a result, the likes of Arsenal and Juventus have been mentioned as suitors, though Gnonto himself insists he happy at Elland Road.

And relegation from the Premier League will ensure it is almost impossible for the Whites to keep him.

However, regardless of their status, Football.London claims Boehly is ready to make a massive move for Gnonto.

And having stopped at nothing to land his targets before, the worry for Leeds is that Boehly won’t take no for an answer.

Boehly wants Gnonto to replace Mason Mount

The American reportedly plans to sign Gnonto with funds generated from Mason Mount’s sale.

The England midfielder is a target for Liverpool as he enters the final 15 months of his Chelsea contract.

And unless he agrees a new deal in the coming weeks, Boehly will likely put Mount up for sale.

Liverpool are desperate to bolster their midfield and sense a growing opportunity to strike for Mount. He has been with the Blues since the age of 11 but the two parties remain poles apart in talks over an extension.

Mount is reportedly looking for a deal of around £240,000 a week and parity with teammate Reece James.

But Boehly is not close to that figure, which could reportedly lead to a parting of ways.

Any transfer could cost Liverpool around £40m – but the money won’t be burning a hole in his pocket for long with Gnonto eyed as his successor.

Ironically, Mount and Gnonto could be in direct competition in Naples on Thursday evening as Italy host England in a Euro 2024 qualifier.

READ MORE: Todd Boehly told to ruthlessly axe two Chelsea favourites in order to fund permanent Joao Felix transfer

STAMPEDE FOR DEPARTING MAN UTD MAN BRANDON WILLIAMS

Manchester United full-back Brandon Williams will not be short of offers this summer as he prepares to leave Old Trafford.

The 22-year-old came through the ranks at United, enjoying a fantastic breakthrough season in 2019/20 when he made 36 appearances.

However, he started to fall out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and was allowed to spend the 2021/22 season on loan at Norwich.

He made 29 appearances for the Canaries but not prevent their relegation back to the Championship.

Now fourth-choice at Old Trafford behind Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and even the forgotten Alex Telles, Williams will leave Manchester United this summer.

Williams’ deal at United is due to expire next summer and the Red Devils will listen to offers for the player.

And despite his lack of action, there are multiple Championship sides looking to sign him, reports Football Insider.

Indeed, he could make a return to Carrow Road, while West Brom and Sunderland are also keen.

However, there may also be interest from Southampton, who could look to sign him in the event of their relegation.

United are likely to seek a modest fee of around £7.5m for Williams.

READ MORE ~ Euro Paper Talk: Ingenious Ten Hag plan to sell £54m Man Utd man and sign free agent as replacement

ARSENAL BATTLE TOTTENHAM FOR MONTPELLIER STAR ELYE WAHI

Arsenal are reportedly planning a summer swoop for Montpellier sensation Elye Wahi.

The 20-year-old has established himself as one of France’s most exciting young stars this season, blasting in 12 goals in 24 Ligue 1 appearances.

As a result, a number of big-name suitors are all casting admiring glances his way. Indeed, the likes of Monaco, Marseille, Lyon and PSG are all reportedly keen.

But Football.London suggest the strongest interest comes from the Premier League, with Arsenal leading the chase.

Mikel Arteta is reportedly well aware of Wahi’s abilities and could look to pounce this summer. Indeed, the France U21 star fits in perfectly with the club’s transfer ethos of being young and hugely-talented.

As such, he has sent some of his scouts to make regular checks on his services.

Rated at £26m (€30m), the Gunners reportedly lead the charge for his signing. And they could make a move if Folarin Balogun is tempted away.

However, they will reportedly face strong competition from Tottenham for his signing.

Their north London rivals are also hot on his trail. And their plans to make a move will not be affected if Antonio Conte departs as manager.

As such, they could yet launch a rival offer of their own to try and sign Wahi.

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