Leeds United are still £3 million away from agreeing a deal with FC Zurich for Italy international Wilfried Gnonto and the Premier League outfit could now face a challenge from Serie A newcomers Monza, as reported by Alfredo Pedulla.
Reports earlier in the week suggested that Leeds wanted Gnonto through the door before Sunday’s meeting with Chelsea at Elland Road.
But it seems that things are more complicated than the Yorkshire giants had imagined, with Zurich refusing to budge on their £7 million valuation of an 18-year-old who – by finding the net against Germany in the UEFA Nations League – recently became the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Italian national team.
Gnonto, a powerful and physical centre-forward despite his diminutive 5ft 7ins frame, is one of the hottest prospects on the continent right now. He is already a key figure for Roberto Mancini at international level, and scored 10 times during an excellent breakthrough season at Zurich.
But while there is confidence that Gnonto will arrive at Elland Road, there remains a sizeable gap between how much Zurich want and how much Leeds are prepared to pay.
Will Leeds United sign Wilfried Gnonto next week?
Jesse Marsch’s side have offered £4 million. They may have to double that bid, however, with Zurich holding out for a bigger fee.
Pedulla adds that Leeds could yet face competition from Monza; A team owned by Silvio Berlusconi and guided by Adriano Galliani. As you may expect, given the nature of those in the Monza boardroom, the Serie A newcomers are targeting players that would usually be well beyond a club of their stature.
Pablo Mari joined from Arsenal last week. Monza have also signed Inter Milan’s Stefano Sensi and Napoli duo Andrea Petagna and Matteo Pessina.
“We think very highly of him,” Marsch said of Gnonto at his Friday press conference. “He’s a young, talented player. I think we’re very active in pursuing things and we have some strategies. Let’s see how they play out.
“He is a boy; 18-years-old and he should not be put under too much pressure. He has to grow quietly. For his age, he knows how to play football like few other players and is very fast.
“If he grows calmly, without too much pressure on him, he can show his important qualities and he is an intelligent boy, he can grow. His best role is second striker, but he can also play on the wing.”
Gnonto spent almost a decade at Inter Milan before joining Zurich in 2020.
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