Aston Villa ‘offered’ Leeds forward, as Unai Emery considers signing to replace star man
Aston Villa have reportedly been “offered the chance to sign” Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto, while a number of other Premier League sides are in the mix.
Leeds have seen a lot of their more talented players depart the club this summer. Five players have left on loan, including Brenden Aaronson and Marc Roca, who signed last summer.
Rodrigo Moreno will also be a big departure, as he’s moved to Qatari outfit Al Rayyan. The Whites might soon lose another important asset in Gnonto, whose first season with the club saw him score four goals and provide four assists at 19 years of age.
Transfer insider Dean Jones suggests Leeds are alarmed by the fact he doesn’t want to play for them as he feels he’s ready for bigger things.
“Gnonto was impressive on Sunday, but obviously alarm bells are ringing now because of it becoming pretty clear he wants to leave,” he told GIVEMESPORT.
“If he stays on board at Leeds, their hopes of promotion this season are increased massively.
“But the threat of him leaving has always been there, and a large reason for that is he doesn’t want a season in the Championship. He knows he doesn’t need to be playing there.
“As a person, he’s one of the happiest players in the country, and he’s got this amazing personality that he’s shown since joining, but don’t be fooled into thinking that beneath that smile is not someone who is extremely driven by the need to be successful here and now.”
Jones details interest from a number of Premier League outfits.
“He could be an option for West Ham, while Everton like him, and I’ve heard him mentioned as someone Fulham have had half an eye on too, while they look to recruit a creative player if Callum Hudson-Odoi was to fall flat,” Jones added.
But it’s Aston Villa who have the best chance at the transfer, as they’ve apparently been given the chance to make the signing.
“Aston Villa have been offered the chance to sign him and are making a decision on that at the moment,” Jones said.
Leeds may believe they’re the side who would pay the highest price, which is why they’ve only offered Gnonto to them. With that being said, they’re apparently in negotiations with Everton over a potential transfer.
Villa might well be interested in beating them to the signing. Emi Buendia will spend a period on the sidelines, and Villa are looking to make up for the forward’s injury.
It’s said they’re chasing Nicolo Zaniolo, with one journalist suggesting he’s already agreed to join. If that move doesn’t happen, though, Gnonto could well be the man Villa go for.
