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Wilfried Gnonto targeted by Juventus, Serie A giants want to include him in Weston McKennie deal
Juventus are interested in signing Wilfried Gnonto from Leeds United in the summer transfer window and could try to include him in the Weston McKennie deal, according to Calcio Mercato Web.
The “exceptional” Italian has proven a sensational buy from the Whites ever since his surprise move to Elland Road last summer from FC Zurich, having gone on to become one of the club’s most prized assets in so little time.
And the report in the Italian news outlet [13 March] has claimed that Juventus are closely monitoring the gifted Leeds forward, and could ask Gnonto to be included in a deal so that Leeds would not have to pay the €35million (£31million) that they need to make McKennie’s loan deal permanent.
The report writes: “One striker that the old lady is monitoring with great attention is Wilfried Gnonto, born in 2003 at Leeds.
“These good performances have led various clubs to observe him carefully, including Juventus, who could decide to take him to Turin in the summer.
“The card that the Juventus management is thinking of playing is that of Weston McKennie, on loan right at Leeds.
“The English hold a ransom of around €35million (£31m), and Juventus are reportedly thinking of asking Gnonto to facilitate the negotiation.”
Confidently reject
You’d imagine that Gnonto may well be tempted to move to his native country with Serie A giants Juventus interested, but the 19-year-old wonderkid seems happy at Elland Road after joining last summer.
However, he has lost his place in the team in recent matches under Javi Gracia, and that may well have ultimately led to this kind of report surfacing.
Yet the teenager still managed an assist against Brighton, proving his undoubted influence in the Whites team despite his young age.
The scenario could even change dramatically in the coming weeks if the Whites suffer relegation, in which they may well be forced to sell.
Whether they go down or not, the West Yorkshire outfit should confidently reject any advances as the player is a massive part of the club’s future.
Providing they do sell eventually, the club should demand a huge fee from any potential suitors, making a huge profit on the player.
Whatever happens, Leeds have the stronger and more stable hand when it comes to Gnonto’s immediate future.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has shared a massive regret of the Elland Road faithful as the club made an official announcement a few days ago.
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