OGC Nice are reportedly interested in signing Empoli talent Fabiano Parisi, with Leeds United also being heavily linked with a move for the Italian left-back ahead of the January window.
According to Foot Mercato, the Ligue 1 side are eager to add to the fullback department of their squad, with Parisi a player who has been on Nice’s radar for some time as Fulham loanee Joe Bryan continues to struggle to life in France since arriving in the summer.
As per the report, Nice did look to sign Parisi in the summer, with an offer even being made to Empoli for the Italian youth international. However, the proposal was rejected. And now, Leeds are interested in the defender according to agent Mario Giuffredi via Tuttomercatoweb.
Valued at £10m, Parisi has been a mainstay for Empoli since joining the club in 2020 with the defender especially impressing this season in Serie A as the defender has racked up two goals in 14 top-flight appearances. And as a result, interest is building, especially from Leeds.
With Jesse Marsch keen to bring in a new left-back in January, Parisi has the potential to be an ideal recruitment for the Elland Road side, with the defender in the perfect age range for the American coach and the ideal profile for what Leeds want in a talent who can grow out into his potential whilst in Yorkshire.
Indeed, January is shaping up to be a crucial month for Leeds in terms of activity in the market and results on the pitch. And beating the likes of Nice to the signing of Parisi would be a brilliant first step in the right direction for the Whites, who are in need of something new in the left-back position.
Leeds have to beat Nice to Parisi signing in January
Parisi has been one of the breakout talents in Italy this season, yet as a result, interest is coming thick and fast for the youngster ahead of January, with Nice now in the race to sign the 22-year-old defender. Yet for Leeds, the Yorkshire side need to ensure that they win the battle for the youngster’s signature.
After all, Parisi would be a welcome addition at left-back, and given Marsch’s track-record of developing young players, there’s a strong chance that the Italian will become a better player at Elland Road rather than a move to Nice in Ligue 1
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