Gabriel Gudmundsson lined up for unexpected Leeds United exit as Chelsea 'dream' arises

Gabriel Gudmundsson is wanted by Chelsea as Leeds United face a possible battle to keep one of Daniel Farke's star men.

The Sweden international, who is currently away at the World Cup with his country, was superb in his debut campaign at Elland Road.

Gudmundsson arrived from Lille for a fee of around £10million, which proved one of the bargains of the summer in the Premier League.

Injury issues struck the full-back towards the end of the season, but he returned to fitness in time for Sweden's World Cup campaign.

However, it may well be that Gudmundsson is now plucked away from Elland Road this summer.

That is if reports from the defender's homeland are anything to go by on Wednesday morning.

Behind-the-scenes update shared on Gabriel Gudmundsson

Gudmundsson's full focus right now will understandably be on his national side's participation in FIFA's showpiece event.

Sweden thrashed Tunisia 5-1 in their opening game, before losing to the Netherlands by the same scoreline.

That puts added pressure on their clash with Japan later this week, which Gudmundsson is almost certain to start.

But talk over the 27-year-old's future is now making headlines in his homeland.

As per a report from Expressen, there is plenty of activity going on behind the scenes regarding the club futures of Sweden players.

Gudmundsson is said to be one of those, with a "dream" move now possible ahead of next season.

Chelsea have lined up the Leeds favourite as a replacement for Marc Cucurella, who recently joined Real Madrid.

Via sources, it is suggested that an "unexpected move" could be possible if the right offer is tabled.

Latest Chelsea transfer won't impact Gudmundsson move

Chelsea have already moved to bring in Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra, with a deal said to be in place.

However, Palestra plays on the right, whereas Gudmundsson is a left-sided defender.

That is the position the Blues desperately need to find a new player as Cucurella will leave a massive void to be filled.

It says it all about Gudmundsson's impact in his first 12 months in West Yorkshire that he is already turning heads at the established elite.

It goes without saying, though, that Leeds fans will not want the Swede sold for any price, let along to an historic rival.

If the 49ers are serious about propelling Leeds forward after a good first season back in the big time, they need to knock back any advances from Chelsea for Gudmundsson.