Leeds United starlet Wilfried Gnonto is keen on remaining at the West Yorkshire club were they to avoid relegation from the Premier League this season, says journalist Dean Jones.
Speculation surrounding the Italian’s future has been widespread following the breakout season he has had at Elland Road since joining Leeds from Swiss side FC Zurich last year.
Despite Gnonto being granted less opportunities under recently-departed head coach Javi Gracia, it has been suggested he will be given more game time by new boss Sam Allardyce.
The 19-year-old has been connected with fellow top-flight sides Arsenal and Chelsea in the past, links which Jones reaffirms in his report.
Gnonto is also gaining admirers on the continent – Jones claims – with Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund all reportedly interested.
Yet, were the Whites to preserve their Premier League status this term, the indication is that the Italian youngster would stay.
“I know Chelsea have been linked and I don’t have too much information on there being progress with that but I do think Arsenal have half an eye on how Leeds’ season plays out because he could give them an edge if he looks to move clubs but stay in England,” Jones said (via Give Me Sport).
“Beyond that, there will be so many options on the continent. I’m already hearing about clubs like Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund having an eye on this.
“But we have to see how Leeds get on in the coming weeks, because I don’t think the player wants to leave at all. He was really excited to join Leeds and has the characteristics to save them.”
With a run-in of Manchester City, Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham to come, Leeds’ path to safety is far from easy.
Yet, were Allardyce’s side to pull it off, holding onto the exceptionally talented Gnonto would be a massive boost heading into next season.
