Chelsea stance on late Archie Gray transfer hijack shared as Leeds United exit nears
Chelsea are unlikely to stage a late hijack on Tottenham’s summer deal for Leeds United gem Archie Gray, according to Football London.
The outlet reported on its website on Monday (1 July) that while the Blues scouts were impressed by Gray’s performances last season, they do not intend to try and steal him from under Spurs’ nose this summer.
This is partly because of their deal to bring Leicester City midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Stamford Bridge as Enzo Maresca looks set to bolster his squad ahead of next season.
Gray is closing in on a summer move to North London in a deal worth a reported £25million with Joe Rodon expected to also head to Elland Road following his loan spell last term [David Ornstein, 1 July].
Will Archie Gray exit Leeds United for Tottenham amid summer transfer speculation?
While most Leeds United supporters won’t want to see Gray depart this summer, they would have at least hopes that one or two more Premier League clubs could have driven up his price by starting a bidding war.
Ultimately, the only two sides who have ever been close to a deal for the Versatile teenager appear to have been Brentford and Spurs and in the end, it is Ange Postecoglou’s Lilywhites who look to have won the race.
It is disappointing to see one of Elland Road’s brightest prospects depart the club in this fashion, but this seems to be an offer the Whites simply couldn’t reject, especially as it sees Rodon make the move in the opposite direction.
Hopefully, the Welshman can help Daniel Farke’s side go one step further than they did last term and win promotion back to the Premier League. He was excellent during his loan spell and most fans were crying out for his return.
It seems as though it will be Tottenham for Gray, however, unless Chelsea change their mind at the 11th hour and attempt a last-minute hijack.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have already learned Oliver Skipps’ stance on a summer transfer to Elland Road
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