Report: Leeds willing to pay £9m for seven-goal midfielder who matches Pablo Hernandez’s stats

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Leeds United are willing to pay £9 million for Chile international Erick Pulgar, although Fiorentina are determined to hang on to one of their key players, according to La Nazione.

One year ago, a 26-year-old dynamo was emerging as one of the most in-demand midfielders in European football with Arsenal, AC Milan, Roma, Inter and more eyeing him up and down (Calciomercato).

12 months on, the interest appears to have waned somewhat. Why, however, is a mystery.

La Nazione reports that Leeds are one of the few clubs showing an interest in Pulgar – along with long-time suitors West Ham.

Yet do not make the mistake in assuming this is due to any drop in standards from a man who exploded on to the scene during a hugely impressive 2018/19 campaign.

Last term, Pulgar was one of the most influential midfielders in Serie A.

He may be a deep-lying midfielder by trade but Pulgar is equally at home creative chances as he is stopping them at the other end.

According to World Football Index, few players bettered his tally of 81 chances created in the Italian top flight last term, while a tally of seven goals and six assists is nothing to be sniffed at.

Interestingly, Pulgar is also equal with Pablo Hernandez, Leeds’ evergreen play-maker, when it comes to key passes per game (WhoScored). His pass completion rate, 88 per cent, is actually superior to the veteran Spaniard.

No wonder Fiorentina have placed Pulgar on their list of ‘non-transferrable players’.

A Leeds side looking to add an extra dash of quality to Marcelo Bielsa’s squad are willing to pay £9 million for the South American enforcer. But it may take a lot more than that to twist Fiorentina’s arm.