Arsenal are eyeing a summer move for Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto, as Mikel Arteta looks to beef up his attacking options.
Wilfried Gnonto, 19, arrived at Leeds United from FC Zurich last summer and has since impressed in the Premier League. He has arguably been the standout performer in the Whites’ relegation-battling side, registering two goals and three assists in 16 Premier League appearances.
Despite just being 19, he is already an Italian international and could well play on Thursday evening when the Azzurri take on England as Euro 2024 qualifiers begin. Gnonto is expected to leave Elland Road in the summer should Leeds United suffer relegation, with clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City are reportedly lining up a bid to sign the highly-rated teenager ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Mikel Arteta’s project booming at Arsenal
Arsenal are galloping towards their first Premier League title in two decades, with Mikel Arteta’s project at the Emirates Stadium showing signs of great progress. The north Londoners have evolved as a unit and are playing some of the best football in England. The development of the team is there for everyone to see, and Mikel Arteta deserves massive credit for the work he has done at the club.
Arsenal preparing a bid for Wilfried Gnonto
Arsenal are certain to play in the Champions League next season, and that would demand a bigger squad size to compete on all fronts. They signed Leandro Trossard, Jorginho and Jakub Kiwior in the January transfer window to boost their title challenge, and Mikel Arteta is expected to spend again to bring in quality players at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners are among three Premier League clubs to have been linked with Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto. The 19-year-old has been the brightest spark in an otherwise disappointing campaign for Leeds, who are 14th in the table but just two points above the drop zone.
Primarily a left-winger, Gnonto is also able to play through the middle—a versatile side to his game that Arteta would no doubt be attracted to. Seven-goal contributions for Leeds so far is a solid return for a player who is still raw and developing. The Italy international is quick, dynamic, versatile and creative with decent finishing skills.
Gnonto fits Arsenal’s model of recruitment, and having seen youngsters develop and impress under Arteta, the Emirates Stadium could be the best place for the teenager to fulfil his huge potential. However, his availability will largely be dependent on whether or not Leeds drops down to the Championship.
Italy forward could be available for a cut-price should the Whites get relegated at the end of the season, so the Gunners should be ready to pounce if the opportunity arises.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
