Leeds United to find it impossible to keep Willy Gnonto after what happened in Italy
Leeds United could now find it impossible to keep Wilfried Gnonto this summer after his impressive cameo against England for Italy on Thursday night [23 March].
The “special” 19-year-old Italian international has quickly risen to prominence at Elland Road through his spectacular individual performances since his £3.8m move from FC Zurich last summer, going on to become one of the club’s most prized assets in so little time.
The Italian youngster is believed to be expected to leave Elland Road at the end of the season if the Whites suffer relegation.
Gnonto has been the subject of much interest in recent weeks, with top clubs around Europe reportedly willing to sign him should the Whites suffer relegation in May.
According to Gazzetta.it [21 March] Premier League giants Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City are all lining up moves to sign the fleet-footed Leeds United forward this summer.
And it’s not just in England where the little Italian magician is attracting interest but he’s also been linked with a move back to his native Italy.
Calcio Mercato Web reported on 13 March that Juventus are interested in signing that 19-year-old and they are prepared to use Elland Road loanee Weston McKennie as part of any potential deal this summer, whilst Il Giorno [23 March] revealed that Atalanta are also prepared to make their move.
This is the trouble clubs get when they have so many talented young stars and they are faced with a nerve-racking relegation battle towards the end of the campaign.
Big clubs will immediately swoop in to acquire them if they aren’t careful, and that is the unfortunate fate about to be tasted by Leeds if they don’t secure their Premier League status for next season.
And during Italy’s 2-1 defeat to England on Thursday night, Azzurri manager Roberto Mancini did not help matters when he brought on the teenager to change the tide in the second half.
Gnonto certainly made a telling impact in his short 21-minute cameo providing a timely reminder to all of Italy’s biggest clubs that he is indeed one of the most exciting young talents in the land.
The Elland Road favourite caused the likes of Kyle Walker all sorts of problems when he came on, showing his mazy runs and dribbling to attempt to create openings for the Azzurri.
Certainly, his efforts came to no fruition in the end as England recorded a famous win but he provided a big headache for Mancini and also assured some of Europe’s top sides, especially Juventus and Atalanta that signing him next season will be an attractive proposition, especially if Leeds suffer relegation next season.
Certainly, the Whites will be looking to acquire huge fees if the worst should happen but they’d arguably prefer to keep their most prized assets in the long run.
In other Leeds United news, a Whites player has explained that he’s set to transfer clubs and the move appears subject to an official announcement.
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