Italian giants ‘open talks’ with electric Leeds winger; ex-Everton star could be axed to fund potential deal
Wilfried Gnonto has been one of Leeds United’s brightest stars this season despite the team struggling as a whole, and now Juventus are sounding out a potential deal for the winger.
The Whites paid just €4.5m (approx. £3.9m) for the talented 19-year-old last summer and thanks to his fine form, is now being looked at by a host of European clubs.
If Juventus do decide to make a move for Gnoto, they may look to sell former Everton striker Moise Kean to help gather the funds for the deal, according to reports.
The Italian giants are in turmoil at the moment after being docked 15 points in January after being found guilty of ‘financial irregularities and false accounting,‘ which could significantly impact their spending power this summer.
As a result, they will likely have to sell players before they can buy anyone, hence why selling Kean may be necessary before Juve can make a bid for Gnonto.
The Bianconeri have a strong relationship with Leeds, though, with the Yorkshire side set to buy Juve loanee Weston McKennie permanently for €35m if they can avoid relegation this season.
Juventus ‘open talks’ with Gnonto
According to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juve have already ‘opened talks’ with Gnonto’s representatives as they look to make an approach for the youngster this summer.
Since signing for the Whites, the attacker has made 20 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and making three assists in the process.
A versatile player, Gnonto has the ability to play as a winger on either flank or even as a second striker on occasion, so could provide cover in a number of key areas for Juventus next season.
As previously reported by TEAMtalk, Leeds will want to receive a minimum of 30m (approx. £26.4m) for Gnonto this summer. Ideally, they could even earn up to €40m (approx. £35.2m), which would be an impressive profit on their original investment.
As for Kean, Juventus are looking to receive a ‘fair offer’ for the former Everton man. The Italian club only signed Kean permanently this month after a two-year loan spell at the Allianz Stadium, which included an obligation to buy for a fee of £25m.
Gnonto certainly has the potential to become a world-class player if he continues to develop as he has done this season, so Leeds could live to regret selling him if they choose to do so.
However, with the Whites currently just two points above the relegation zone, they may ultimately be forced into selling some of their prized assets should they drop to the Championship – and Gnonto definitely fits into that category.
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