Crystal Palace want to sign Leeds United star Wilfried Gnonto to replace out of contract Wilfried Zaha
Crystal Palace want to sign Leeds United star Wilfried Gnonto to replace their legendary winger Wilfried Zaha, who is out of contract this summer according to The Mirror.
The Whites were relegated last season and are now fighting to keep their best players as they fight to get back into the Premier League, but Gnonto is one of the players attracting the most attention.
West Ham and Everton are among the clubs linked, but now the Eagles have registered their interest in the Italy international as they look to replace Zaha with Gnonto’s £30m value not putting them off.
“Crystal Palace will make a move for exciting Italian international wing star Wilfried Gnonto if they lose Wilfried Zaha this summer,” they wrote (24 June).
“But Palace will have competition from rivals Brighton, West Ham and Everton if they pursue Gnonto with the talented Leeds youngster attracting widespread attention after relegation condemned the Yorkshiremen to the Championship next season.
“After making ten senior appearances for Roberto Mancini’s Italy side last season, Gnonto’s value has rocketed to £30 million – but plenty are willing to bid for the speedy star this summer.”
Tough times ahead
It’s going to be a really difficult summer for Leeds because of so much uncertainty all over the club, but the playing staff being in the right shape for a promotion push has to be the priority.
That means having Gnonto available for as long as possible, and if he is to leave then we have to make sure he is adequately replaced with a big fee brought in to represent his talent levels.
Having brought him in for peanuts last summer, there was little expectation that he would be so valuable and important to the team within such a short period of time.
Keeping him around would obviously be the ideal scenario for the new season where he can really be a key member of the starting lineup under whoever the new manager is, but nobody can begrudge him a big move because his talents and abilities deserve it.
In other Leeds news, the club have already identified a potential replacement for Gnonto if he is to leave.