Next few days ‘Decisive’ in race for ‘Special’ attacker, Everton lead the way

Everton are the frontrunners for a deal to sign Wilfried Gnonto from Leeds, with the next days “decisive” for his future according to Calciomercato.

The Toffees have identified the Italy international as a target for the summer window following Leeds’ relegation to the Championship, with a £17m deal on the cards to get him out of Elland Road.

And Sean Dyche’s side are seen as frontrunners right now despite interest from Aston Villa, Fiorentina, Monza, Sassuolo and Freiburg, with the player wanting to continue to test himself at the highest level.

“In our league, like last year, teams like Fiorentina, Monza, Sassuolo are thinking about it,” they wrote (4 July). 

“But at the moment, the team that seems to have the upper hand to ensure its performance seems to be Everton. In England, Aston Villa is also thinking about it, while Freiburg are interested in Germany.

“The next few days will be decisive in accurately establishing the new destination of the class of 2003, who wants to continue to test himself in high-level contexts.”

Move quickly

The longer a transfer drags on for this summer for Gnonto, the less likely it is that Everton will be the ones to successfully sign him.

Gnonto was excellent for Leeds last season despite their relegation, and his injury at the back end of the campaign was cited as a big factor in them not picking up points towards the end of the season.

He has reportedly attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City in the past too and those sorts of top clubs will see a £17m fee as a bargain for a player of this quality, with his former manager labelling him “special”.

The longer time goes on the more likely they are to enter the race, and Everton will be left scratching their heads and wondering how they missed out.

It can’t happen and now that his involvement in the Under-21 European Championships is over, Everton have to push ahead to get this done as soon as possible.

In other Everton news, a bid has been confirmed by one club owner as the Toffees look to seal this striker signing.