Report: Leeds make hefty offer for World Cup ace, would be Radrizzani’s third-biggest signing

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According to Italian outlet Di Marzio, Leeds United have submitted a €28m (£25m) bid for Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.

The 24-year-old American international has been at the centre of plenty of transfer speculation as of late, and has reportedly agreed to join the Whites having accepted the Yorkshire club’s initial contract proposal.

A £25m fee is not insignificant for Leeds. In fact, this would represent the joint-third biggest signing made during the Andrea Radrizzani era after Georginio Rutter and Rodrigo – and level with the deals to bring Dan James and Brendan Aaronson to the club.

Interestingly, McKennie would be the third American player in Leeds’ squad, joining Tyler Adams and Brendan Aaronson. Marsch, who is also American, is seemingly keen to build around a core of young talented players from that part of the world.

McKennie has also been linked to Arsenal in recent days, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his midfield following an injury to Mohamed Elneny. However, while Arsenal may be seen as a more attractive destination because they currently sit top of the league, McKennie may not be guaranteed minutes at the Emirates ahead of Thomas Partey or Granit Xhaka.

The midfielder has been particularly impressive for the US national team, particularly at the Qatar World Cup, where he played a key role in the team’s progression to the Round of 16. His versatility, strength, and ability to score goals make him a great fit for English football, as he showed in Qatar when he ran rings around the Three Lions.

Leeds will face stiff competition for McKennie’s signature, alongside Arsenal, Spurs are supposedly keen, but if they can secure a deal, it could be a major coup for the Yorkshire club.

It remains to be seen if Juventus will be willing to part ways with the young American for this £25m fee, but given the fact that they’re facing their own financial issues right now, this could be enough to tempt the Old Lady into selling.

Given that personal terms are reportedly already agreed, we may not be far off a deal being completed here. Of course, that is unless Arsenal put together an offer to rival Leeds’ proposal.