Everton wait to finalise Wilfried Gnonto transfer as Roma force way in at Leeds
Everton will be made to wait to finalise their transfer of Wilfried Gnonto as Roma have forced their way into the competition for the Leeds winger’s signature, according to Tutto Atalanta.
The Italian outlet reported on its website on Monday (21 August) that Jose Mourinho’s side has identified the Italian winger as a potential target and are exploring the possibility of bringing Gnonto to the Italian capital this summer.
Everton remain in pole position for the 19-year-old’s signature while Roma are joined by fellow Serie A club Atalanta in holding an interest in the Leeds wide man, but the move isn’t a priority for the Bergamo club before the transfer window closes in September.
Gnonto is set to decide his future in the coming days if allowed, with the race for his signature expected to reach its conclusion sooner rather than later, with the Toffees waiting to close the deal with Leeds United while Roma have entered the race much later in proceedings.
The decision may well come down to where the young winger feels he will have the best platform to make it to the Italian senior squad for the European Championship next summer.
Get it done
The Toffees need to get this deal done quickly as Gnonto’s public refusal to play for Leeds United at the moment partnered with his official transfer request will only increase the number of clubs who become interested in securing his services this summer.
Everton need to add to their forward options before the window closes, especially after both Alex Iwobi and Dominic Calvert-Lewin sustained injuries in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday (20 August) and Gnonto represents a safe yet exciting addition to the squad.
The 19-year-old has shown that he can cut it in the Premier League, in what was a poor Leeds side so he shouldn’t have any issue doing similar under Sean Dyche’s management. A move to Everton would likely see him become one of the key players in a way that can’t be guaranteed in Rome.
With Demari Gray slowly moving towards the exit door at Goodison Park, Everton should use any money they can find from his potential sale to ensure they’re not beaten in the race for Gnonto and force Leeds to finally let go of their star boy.
In other Everton news, the Toffees have reached a verbal agreement to sell one of their wide options