Leeds United coach Jesse Marsch confirmed the club’s interest in 18-year-old Italian talent Wilfried Gnonto.
The 18-year-old forward shot to prominence earlier this summer with his explosive start to life with the Italian national team, providing a key assist in a 1-1 Nations League draw against Germany. Gnonto also scored his first goal for the Azzurri in a later 5-2 defeat to Hansi Flick’s side.
Speaking in a press conference today, Marsch discussed Leeds’ interest in Gnonto and if a move will be made this month.
“We know him. I think we think very highly of him. He’s a young talented player. I think we’re very active in pursuing things and we have some strategies. Let’s see how they play out. We still have time and I think that there will be movement with us and with other teams.
“I think some dominoes will start to fall and then we have to be prepared to act on those situations. It’s a long time since we’ve made our last transfer but I can tell you that the conversations and the work behind the scenes has been very, very active.”
The American coach then discussed if Gnonto would be ready for the Premier League should he arrive before the transfer window closes.
“No. I didn’t even know that that’s out there. But we know who he is. And with him it’d be more of a long term project. And maybe you can then with that comment read into whether it’s going to happen this transfer window or if it can’t happen, this transfer window or not, or in the future.”
The 18-year-old Gnonto had a strong campaign with FC Zurich last season, making 36 appearances across all competitions. In that time, the Italian teenager scored 10 goals and provided five assists. He was a product of Inter’s youth system but left in 2020 in a bid for first team football.
go to epl or german league and let them develop you before returning to italy