West Ham United to make January approach to sign ‘unbelievable’ Willy Gnonto, Leeds United open to sale
West Ham could be set to make an approach to sign Leeds United forward Willy Gnonto in the January transfer window, according to HITC.
The news outlet reported on its website on Monday (8 January) that sources have revealed that the Whites are now “more open” to selling the Italian international this month after previously blocking a potential exit from Elland Road over the summer.
It added that Serie A clubs Roma, AC Milan, Atalanta, Napoli and Lazio have all declared their interest in loaning the 19-year-old, who his teammate Junior Firpo referred to as “unbelievable”, but that it’s “unclear” whether the Championship side would sanction a temporary move.
The update comes after the former Eurosport journalist Dean Jones, reporting for Sport Lens earlier on Monday, shared that the Hammers and Fulham both have an eye on the forward with a view to a possible move.
Risky
This could be a risky bit of business for West Ham to try and pull off if Leeds are looking for a substantial fee for clubs to sign Gnonto.
The forward has spent the best part of the past few months on the bench at Elland Road, having lost his place in the starting lineup after picking up an ankle injury against Hull City in September.
Despite having a promising campaign in the Premier League for the Whites last year, he’s only registered one goal and one assist in 22 appearances this season.
The Italian undoubtedly has bags of quality and could be a star of the future, but after he refused to play for the West Yorkshire club earlier in the season when he was denied a move, there are huge question marks around his attitude.
It’s up to the Hammers to weigh up whether David Moyes could get the best out of him and whether or not it’s worth taking the risk on signing him when they hear how much he’s available for this month.
In other West Ham news, one player wants to leave the Hammers amid a £30million development.