Leeds forward Willy Gnonto emerges as an option for West Ham United, player wants to leave
Willy Gnonto has emerged as a potential option for West Ham amid speculation about a move away from Leeds United, according to Dean Jones.
The Italy international looks like to be heading out of Elland Road this summer after Sky Sports reported on 10 August that he asked not to be selected for the Whites’ game against Shrewsbury Town in the Carabao Cup on 9 August.
Speaking to GiveMeSport on 10 August, former Eurosport journalist Jones said “alarm bells are ringing” at Leeds and that the 19-year-old, who Gary Neville praised highly earlier this year, could be an option for the Hammers.
“Gnonto was impressive on Sunday, but obviously alarm bells are ringing now because of it becoming pretty clear he wants to leave,” said Jones.
“If he stays on board at Leeds, their hopes of promotion this season are increased massively. But the threat of him leaving has always been there, and a large reason for that is he doesn’t want a season in the Championship. He knows he doesn’t need to be playing there.
“As a person, he’s one of the happiest players in the country, and he’s got this amazing personality that he’s shown since joining, but don’t be fooled into thinking that beneath that smile is not someone who is extremely driven by the need to be successful here and now.
“We saw flashes of absolute brilliance last season, and he’s proven to himself and other clubs that he’s Premier League quality. He’s got options here and in Italy that are still being explored.
“He could be an option for West Ham, while Everton like him, and I’ve heard him mentioned as someone Fulham have had half an eye on too, while they look to recruit a creative player if Callum Hudson-Odoi was to fall flat. Aston Villa have been offered the chance to sign him and are making a decision on that at the moment.”
Make a move
This is an absolutely no-brainer as West Ham are looking to bring more forwards in to strengthen David Moyes’s attacking options this summer.
There are several clubs interested in the Italian after he earned a number of plaudits for his performances in the Premier League last season, where he scored two goals and laid on four assists in 24 appearances.
The Liverpool Echo reported on 17 July that a bid in the region of £15million from Everton had been rejected by Leeds for the forward, with the Yorkshire club looking for closer to £20million to let him go.
That is such a small transfer fee in the modern-day footballing world and the Irons would be foolish to not make a move for someone that is so young and could go on to be a superb player.
He also ties into sporting director Tim Steidten’s plans to bring more youthful signings into the club, so it makes complete sense to at least test the water with the Championship side over his availability.
In other West Ham news, Chris Sutton has shared a prediction about Lucas Paqueta for the new season.