Everton face champions threat to complete ‘great upgrade’ on Demarai Gray sale with Willy Gnonto transfer from Leeds United
Everton can pull off a “great upgrade” if they replace Demarai Gray with Willy Gnonto but need to “take advantage” now while they still can, says Dean Jones.
Gray, 27, appears set to leave this summer amid increasing interest, but the Toffees’ own pursuit of teenage Leeds United attacker Gnonto has so far been unsuccessful, and there is now the apparent threat of interest from Italian champions Napoli.
Jones isn’t convinced that Sean Dyche is the right manager for the Italy international, 19, and while the Premier League is thought to be his preferred destination for a move he has been tipped to head to Serie A if the Everton boss can’t convince him that another relegation battle isn’t on the cards.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT the former Eurosport journalist said: “If Everton could replace Demarai Gray with Wilfried Gnonto, I would see that as a great upgrade by the club. In terms of potential to do great things in the Premier League, Gnonto has it all. I am very surprised a top club has not come in for him formally at this stage, and Everton should take advantage of that.
“My only concern would be whether Dyche is the right type of manager for him. I thought Leeds initially did a great job of managing Gnonto last season, but as the season wore on and the managers changed, their use of him was questionable.
“Gnonto is so young but also has a real sense of happiness and joy about him as a person, and it is very important that is reflected in his game. Obviously, he wants to be in the Premier League, but another relegation battle will not suit him. He needs to be able to flourish and have a bit of freedom. If he gets to Everton, I hope he has the license to do that.
“If they don’t sell the project under Dyche well enough, I think he will fancy the idea of going to Serie A instead. Napoli are interested in him.”
Tough competition
With the top Everton priority in the window, as ever, still a striker after disappointment in the race to sign El Bilal Touré from Almeria, the transfer budget, whatever it stretches to, needs to be directed at that first.
Even allowing for the relative spending power of the Premier League and Serie A it might be tough to overcome Napoli if they turn this interest into a concrete bid.
Signing for the champions in his home country and playing in the Champions League is sure to be a draw so if Dyche is serious about pushing for Gnonto he looks like it might be a now or never situation.
It is unlikely that whatever fee is brought in for Gray, assuming he does leave, will be enough on its own to convince Leeds United to accept a bid so the Toffees will need to ensure that they don’t undercut their ability to sign a striker.
Arnaut Danjuma has at least been brought in on loan and the former Tottenham winger would cover for the loss of Jamaica international Gray in the first instance.
If a striker can be secured then there is every reason to make a push for Gnonto as he would be an exciting wildcard that can make things happen at Goodison Park.
But Napoli potentially arriving into the race is ominous and with Everton likely needing to funnel their resources towards the most pressing need it might be that the Leeds man is a bridge too far.
In other Everton news, a boost in the transfer window has been mooted if the MSP Sports Capital investment can get over the line in time.