Atalanta make approach to Leeds United for wantaway star Willy Gnonto
Atalanta could target wantaway Leeds United forward Willy Gnonto, according to Calcio Atalanta.
The Italian outlet reported (19 August) that in their bid to complete their attack, the Serie A side could target the 19-year-old after Atalanta approached Leeds to test the ground to see if a deal could be reached.
Gnonto has been on the radar of many clubs this summer but most significantly Everton who had a £25million bid rejected by Leeds, as per David Ornstein (18 August).
Fresh interest
With Atalanta emerging as a new club interested, Gnonto’s transfer saga has taken a fresh twist.
However, the Serie A side will have to bid in excess of £25million if they want to secure the Italian’s signature this summer if Everton’s rejected bid is anything to go by.
Leeds United have made their position on Gnonto clear as The Athletic’s David Ornstein claimed (18 August) that the club do not consider him for sale. However, with the youngster keen on a move, as suggested by his transfer request, Atalanta could be a good option for him.
Their fifth-place finish in Serie A last season saw them qualify for the Europa League, meaning Gnonto would be taking a big step up from the Championship to European football.
Atalanta themselves are a quality outfit and regularly qualify in Italy’s top four spaces, meaning that they may be more appealing than the likes of Everton, despite their Premier League status.
That being said, Atalanta have brought in a host of attacking talent already this window including former West Ham United forward Gianluca Scamacca and former Everton target El Bilal Toure, meaning that Gnonto would not be guaranteed regular starts.
However, Atalanta will have plenty of fixtures to fulfil and has been tipped to go deep in the Europa League, so while the may not be the star in the attack, he would likely get a lot of minutes if he does not start every week.
If Atalanta can offer Leeds United a good fee for the 19-year-old, he may end his dramatic time at Elland Road with a return to his native Italy.
In other Leeds United news, a recent Elland Roach coach has shared his verdict on Gnonto’s situation at the club.