Arsenal ‘closely following highly-rated Leeds star’s situation but face transfer battle with Man City’
ARSENAL are understood to be tracking highly rated Leeds winger Wilfried Gnonto – but face competition from Manchester City.
The 19-year-old Italian was one of the few bright sparks during a miserable campaign for all involved at Elland Road.
Gnonto racked up four goals and four assists during his debut season for Leeds with his performances earning him call-ups to Roberto Mancini‘s Italy squad.
According to Italian source Calcio Mercato, Gnonto has admirers in his native Italy with Fiorentina, Sassuolo and Roma all retaining a long-term interest in the winger.
But the Italian publication reports that both Arsenal and Manchester City are now keeping tabs on the winger.
Gnonto was brought in for £10million from Swiss side FC Zurich last summer as part of a recruitment drive that saw Leeds bring in a number of young players with high potential.
He arrived alongside the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Luis Sinisterra and Tyler Adams to bolster ex-manager Jesse Marsch‘s squad.
But the strategy proved to be disastrous, with Leeds sacking both Marsch and Javi Gracia before seeing their Championship status confirmed under Sam Allardyce‘s tutelage.
Their relegation was confirmed on Sunday with an insipid 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, with their tally of 78 goals conceded this season being the worst in the Premier League.
And fans were quick to turn on a number of Leeds’ signings this season with Juventus loanee Weston Mckennie walking off to chants of “You fat b******” as he was substituted at Elland Road.
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Gnonto showed his potential in flashes, with an upturn in form in March seeing him record assists in successive games against Brighton and Wolves.
But an ankle injury he suffered while on international duty for Italy meant he struggled to nail down a starting place under both Gracia and Allardyce.
According to Sport Witness, other reports in Italy have suggested that Leeds may look to keep Gnonto for another season as they look to bounce back to the Premier League.
But it is understood the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City view the winger as a player with high potential given his young age and Prem experience.