Aston Villa are reportedly preparing to raid Championship club Leeds United for winger Wilfried Gnonto.
The Villans enjoyed quite a renaissance of sorts under Unai Emery last season and finished seventh in the Premier League, thus, qualifying for the Europa Conference League play-offs. With Youri Tielemans already on board, Unai Emery is now focused on bringing in attacking reinforcements to Villa Park as he sets his sights on taking the club to new heights.
According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are keen on signing Wilfried Gnonto from Leeds United but face competition from Everton.
Gnonto, 19, arrived at Leeds United from Swiss club FC Zurich last year for a fee of just under £4million, signing a contract until 2027. The Italy international was one of the rare shining lights in a forgetful campaign at Elland Road, scoring two goals and registering four assists in 24 Premier League appearances.
With Leeds dropping to the Championship, the teenager wants to leave the club this summer. The report adds the Whites would be reluctant to let Gnonto go for a fee lower than £40m amid interest from multiple Premier League clubs.
Wilfried Gnonto to Aston Villa—Good move?
Aston Villa have shown ambition in this summer transfer window by signing Belgium international Youri Tielemans on a free transfer from rivals Leicester City, who were relegated at the end of last season. After the acquisition of Tielemans, one of the areas that Unai Emery is looking to target in this window is the attack. So, it is not surprising to hear that Villa are keen to secure the signature of Leeds United winger and Italy international Wilfried Gnonto.
Gnonto showed flashes of promise last term with Leeds United—exactly the level he could consistently operate at in the future with better players around him. He is young, fresh and energetic with great pace and close control which makes him a significant threat in wide areas. The teenager is creative on the ball, dangerous on the half turn, can use his explosive pace to beat his marker and score goals.
There’s an abundance list of attributes that Gnonto could bolster Villa’s attack with, whilst potentially combining well with the likes of Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey and Jacob Ramsey in the final third. A left-winger by trade, the Italian is capable of playing anywhere along the front line. This versatility should give Emery options on how to use him in different formations and circumstances.
Despite his huge potential, Gnonto remains a raw talent with a lot of room for improvement. Working under an astute tactician in Emery should help him in unlocking his potential as he looks forward to leaving Leeds this summer.
Thus, Villa must do everything to their powers to beat Everton to Gnonto’s signature.