Leeds United have joined the race to sign Argentine-born Italy international Mateo Retegui as the Premier League strugglers look to bring a new centre-forward to Elland Road.
A front three of Crysencio Summerville, Brenden Aaronson and Luis Sinisterra may have been a reflection of Javi Gracia’s intention to make Leeds a little stronger off the ball. A little quicker in transition.
But the Spaniard’s strikerless system during Saturday’s 4-1 defeat to Arsenal also highlighted the lack of attacking options at his disposal.
Patrick Bamford has still not recovered full fitness after another spell on the sidelines. Ditto Rodrigo Moreno. Georginio Rutter, meanwhile, is yet to adapt to life in his new West Yorkshire home; playing just 16 minutes off the bench at the Emirates.
So, whichever division Leeds find themselves in this summer, whoever is sitting in the Elland Road dugout, you can expect a new number nine to be high on the club’s mid-season wishlist.
Leeds join Crystal Palace and West Ham in race for Mateo Retegui
23-year-old Retegui has played his way onto Leeds’ radar following a prolific spell at Club Atletico Tigre. Retegui has scored 34 goals in his last 55 games for club and country. Two of those came for Italy during the recent international break after his shock call up for the Azzurri.
“Leeds and the two Milan clubs (Inter and AC) are on the player,” reporter Ciro Venerato tells AreaNapoli. “Inter have come forward, talking to both the player.
“There is only one small problem; the Nerazzurri management, at this moment, does not yet have the money to buy the striker.”
Inter’s financial problems are well-documented. Leeds, should Gracia keep them in the Premier League, could take full advantage by snatching a man who has been likened to Gabriel Batistute, labelled an ‘incredible talent’ by Francesco Totti, and described as ‘world-class’ centre-forward by another of his summer suitors.
Retegui is, technically-speaking, only on loan at Tigre from Boca Juniors. Tigre plan to exercise the £2 million option-to-buy clause in his contract before selling for a substantial profit.
“Everything suggests that Retegui will be sold in June,” says club president Ezequiel Melarana. “There are several clubs in interested in Europe. We will buy 50 per cent of his price tag (from Boca). And we will be partners in the operation.”
West Ham and Crystal Palace are reportedly keen on Retegui too. His agent will soon travel to England for talks with a number of clubs. That is according to Corriere dello Sport.
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