Lazio in talks with Everton target Gnonto as Roma focus elsewhere

epa10710974 Italy’s Wilfried Gnonto celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the UEFA Under-21 Championship group stage match between Switzerland and Italy in Cluj, Romania, 25 June 2023. EPA-EFE/ALEX NICODIM

Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto has asked his agents to find him a new club in Italy and talks are reportedly ongoing with Lazio after Roma decided to place their focus elsewhere.

The 19-year-old impressed during his debut season with the Whites but was unable to stop their relegation from the Premier League last term, leaving him stuck in the English second tier.

Gnonto pushed to leave Leeds in the summer and tried to force through a move to Everton, but the deal was blocked, and he was briefly frozen out of the squad. Although he’s back on the pitch now, the Italian is still keen to leave the Whites as soon as possible.

As reported by Daniele Longo of Calciomercato.com, Gnonto tasked his entourage with finding him a new home in Italy and their first point of call was Roma, who were informed about the costs of a possible deal.

The Giallorossi, still dealing with restrictions imposed by their Financial Fair Play settlement, are focusing on bringing in a new defender in January and are not thinking of a move for Gnonto for now.

Lazio, on the other hand, are big fans of Gnonto and met his agents recently to discuss Leeds’ €25m price tag. A new meeting will take place in the coming days to discuss any possible discounts to this fee.