Transfer Talk: Juve Gnonto a winner with bid for Leeds winger

Wilfried Gnonto was a shining light amid the darkness of Leeds' 2022-23 season.

The 19-year-old winger scored two Premier League goals and assisted four more — alongside an FA Cup brace against Cardiff — as the Whites ultimately sunk into the Championship.

Those performances have not gone unnoticed by Europe's elite, with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Juventus all reportedly expressing an interest in the dynamic dribbler.

As the Italy international gears up for a Nations League semi-final against Spain tonight, we consider where he could end up this summer.

Juve calling

Juve are believed to be leading the race for Gnonto's signature.

The Italian giants are in need of reinforcements out wide following Angel Di Maria's departure and Federico Chiesa's continued fitness struggles.

However, given Gnonto's contract runs until 2027, Leeds can command a substantial fee for the prodigious youngster.

Rumoured Premier League interest has the potential to kick-start a bidding war, though the Whites' relegation has somewhat weakened their hand at the negotiating table.

Beckford's blessing

Ex-Leeds forward Jermaine Beckford believes that the West Yorkshire outfit will not stand in Gnonto's way if he wants to move on.

He said: "Gnonto has cemented himself as a fan favourite.

"He's got a lot of awareness about himself which is what will see others wanting to sign him. If he moves on, I don't see the club stopping him."

Tricky winger

Despite playing just 1,349 league minutes and making 10 appearances from the bench, Gnonto had a big impact at Elland Road last term.

He managed to create 1.47 chances and 0.2 big goalscoring opportunities per 90 minutes, which placed him inside Leeds' top three players for both metrics.

The ex-FC Zurich talent also displayed an eagerness to take on defenders, attempting 4.27 dribbles per 90 — notably more than any of his team-mates.

Hutton has his say

Former Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton believes that Gnonto should target a transfer in the near future.

He said: "I think he [Gnonto] has shown in flashes that he is more than capable.

"He is very young so there is a lot of room for improvement. If you are putting a guy like that into a team that has got more possession, keep the ball better, then he is going to create opportunities.

"Is he sometimes rough around the edges? Of course, but I think we were all the exact same when we were younger.

"There are certain areas he can get better at, and these clubs will think they can improve him. He is definitely one that stands out for me who might look to go elsewhere."

Spain semi

This evening's Nations League semi-final clash between Italy and Spain is a tantalising encounter.

The Azzurri topped a tough Group A3, ahead of Hungary, Germany and England, while their opponents outperformed Portugal, Switzerland and Czech Republic.

Gnonto has started two of Italy's last three Nations League matches, becoming their youngest ever scorer at 18 years and 222 days old against Germany.

He is more than capable of creating a spark for the European champions again tonight, which is why the 10-cap international is set to be so sought after this summer.