Leeds United believe that FC Zürich’s Wilfried Gnonto “could become a big star in the future”, amid links between the Whites and the Italian youngster.
That is according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking to This is Futbol about the Whites’ potential transfer business this summer.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Leeds have upped their efforts with the player’s agent to bring the 18-year-old, who Italy manager Roberto Mancini claimed “can do anything”, to Elland Road this summer.
Reports suggest (via LeedsLive) that Zürich could demand £4.2m for the Verbania-born player, with the forward being out of contract next summer.
And O’Rourke believes that Jesse Marsch’s side could look at the attacker as someone who could have a big future in the game.
O’Rourke said: “He’s somebody who, although maybe won’t come straight into the Leeds team straight away, but somebody with huge potential who could become a big star in the future, and that’s what Leeds are thinking they might be buying if they do get a deal for him over the line.”
TIF Thoughts on O’Rourke’s comments…
We believe that Leeds fans won’t be surprised that the club are looking to bring in more young talent this season, with the club already having a plethora of young players in and around the first-team squad.
The four-time Italy international scored 10 goals and provided five assists in 36 appearances for FC Zurich last season according to Transfermarkt, suggesting that the young forward has accumulated a fair amount of experience ahead of a potential Premier League move this summer.
Therefore, we believe that at a price of £4.2m, the young star could be a smart acquisition for the club in the long run, and could be a deal that Victor Orta will be looking to complete soon.
Gnonto is striker for future but Leeds urgently needs strong prolific central forward for this season.