Aston Villa are keen to raid Leeds United for Italian sensation Wilfried Gnonto
According to Football Insider, Premier League side Aston Villa are keen on signing Leeds United star Wilfried Gnonto in the ongoing summer transfer window.
The Midlands-based outfit are currently enjoying a renaissance of sorts under Unai Emery and are a team on the rise. They are also eyeing deals for promising young talent and now appear to be zeroing in on the young Elland Road star.
The 19-year-old spent many years in the Inter Milan academy before earning his senior stripes with FC Zurich. He moved to Elland Road last summer, making 28 appearances and scoring four goals and assists apiece.
Primarily a left winger, Gnonto is capable of playing anywhere along the frontline. This versatility should give Emery options on how to deploy the Italian star in several contingencies.
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The youngster is a full Italian international and was one of Leeds’s few shining lights in an otherwise forgetful season. He now looks likely to return to the Premier League and once again continue his development in the English top flight.
Despite his potential, Gnonto remains a raw talent with much fine-tuning needed. Working under a strict tactician like Emery should aid him more in fulfilling his potential than staying on in the Championship with Leeds.
Villa currently faces competition from Everton and other foreign clubs for the 19-year-old. Given their standing in the top flight and lofty ambitions, the Villians have a real chance at attracting the youngster by pitching their project.
With Philippe Coutinho’s future at Villa Park far from certain, Leon Bailey remains the club’s lone recognizable option on the left wing. The Bayer Leverkusen star is a handful on his day but has the tendency to go missing at times. Bringing in Gnonto will give Emery options and also add depth to an otherwise number-light position.
The Italian ace’s ceiling is certainly high and he is at a position in his career where proper guidance is needed. Elland Road is far from a stable place at this moment in time and he is better off making the switch to Villa Park.
