Italian newspaper Gazzetta Dello Sport claim Juventus have made an enquiry to sign Willy Gnonto from Leeds this summer as the Old Lady scour the market to replace Fede Chiesa – who is a target for Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
Gnonto, 19, is widely expected to be one of a number of players that leaves Leeds this summer. The Italy star was an immediate fan favourite at Elland Road – already boasting his own song, having had a hand in eight goals for Leeds.
He has proven he is a Premier League player, especially given he boasts 10 caps with Roberto Mancini’s Italy side. A move is likely – and Juventus are among the front runners. Gazzetta now report that they have made an enquiry.
The report states that given the points deduction suffered by Juventus, and the subsequent inability to qualify for European competition, Juve will have to sell. Chiesa is one of the players they could offload, to bring in some cash.
Juventus enquire to sign Gnonto from Leeds as Chiesa replacement
Jurgen Klopp has long been an admirer and Gazzetta say he is locked in a battle with Thomas Tuchel and Bayern in a move to lure Chiesa to Anfield. He has been rated at a huge £89m, but Juve’s need to sell could reduce that fee.
Juventus are looking to return to a more Italy-based number of players and have targeted others such as Davide Frattesi and West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca. Gnonto is seen as a gem in Italy. Juventus have made a move.
Indeed, such a move would see Juve save some considerable cash. Even if Chiesa does not go for the full £89m figure, you would expect it would still be north of £60m. Gnonto is likely to go for around half the smaller amount.
