West Ham United are front-runners to sign 20-year-old Italian international Wilfried Gnonto from Leeds United.
According to a report by Football Insider, West Ham United are keen on reinforcing their attack in the ongoing transfer window, and they have their eyes set on Wilfried Gnonto. David Moyes is a big admirer of the Italian international and wants him in his ranks by the end of the month. And the Hammers lead the race to sign him.
Who is Wilfried Gnonto?
Gnonto was a part of the Inter Milan youth team. He came up the ranks at some pace but unfortunately parted ways to join FC Zurich in the summer of 2020. After a two-year-long successful stint, Leeds United signed him in the summer of 2022 for £5 million.
He had an incredible debut season at the club, as the Italian international scored four goals and even bagged four assists. However, Gnonto could not help them survive in the top flight. The youngster wanted to return to the Premier League in the summer, but that could not happen back then. However, it could take place in the ongoing window.
What Does the Future have in Store for Wilfried Gnonto?
Since the start of the 2023/24 season, the 20-year-old has only had 885 minutes of first-team football despite his team playing in the second division. He seems to have fallen out of favour and according to the report, Leeds United are ready to negotiate his departure despite him having over three years on his deal.
But, before they sanction the departure of the Italian international, they need to complete a signing of their own. Leeds United are closing in on the signatures of Manuel Benson. As soon as they strike a deal with Burnley for Benson, Gnonto will be free, and West Ham boss David Moyes will be able to land his target.
Moyes is keen on bringing in an attacking reinforcement in the ongoing window. His squad does not have much depth, and the it has been hit by quite a few injuries. Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio, Lucas Paqueta and Edson Alvarez are all out injured, while Mohammed Kudus and Nayef Aguerd are on international duty.
With quite a few players unavailable, Moyes feels he needs depth out wide in attack, and the 20-year-old can surely be a great fit. The Hammers are the favourites for his signatures, and if Leeds United do end up signing Benson before the end of the window, Gnonto should be joining West Ham.
