By
Arsenal will «keep an eye» on Leeds’ relegation battle as Wilfried Gnonto could «give them an edge» if he decides to move to the Emirates in the summer.
Gnonto only moved to Elland Road from Swiss side FC Zurich last summer but impressed in his debut Premier League season, with four goals and four assists in all competitions.
Leeds are said to want £31m for Gnonto, who signed for just £4m in the summer, and are thought to Chelsea have a ‘real interest’ in the 19-year-oldwhile other top European clubs are also thought to be enthusiastic.
But a report in March claimed Arsenal were «preparing» a bid at the end of the season and transfer pundit Dean Jones believes the Gunners will keep an eye on the Italy international, who is sure to leave Leeds if Sam Allardyce can’t bail them out from trouble.
Jones said GiveMeSport: “At the start of the season he started to establish himself at this level and I know a lot of scouts have been surprised at how he hasn’t been affected by pressure from the Premier League. Even in the tough times, his play has been pretty solid and when he has a smile on his face he seems capable of anything on a football pitch.
“I know Chelsea have been linked and I don’t have too much information on their progress but I think Arsenal have an eye on how Leeds’ season unfolds as it could give them an edge if they try to move clubs but stay. in England.
«Apart from that, there will be so many options on the continent, I’ve already heard of clubs like Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund who are keeping an eye on this.»
The teenager has received much acclaim this season, with Leeds fans desperate to see him get more playing time, and Gary Neville highlighted his maturity in a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in January.
«To see someone so mature, so young is very unusual in that position,» said Gary Neville during Sky Sports’ coverage of the match.
«You see potential and talent sometimes, but looking at him so closely, his understanding of where to be, his choice of pass, when to run with it, his awareness of teammates, really good honestly.»
MAILBOX: Is it possible to kill the Man City monster? And Klopp’s outburst highlights Tierney’s «lack of integrity»…
