Roberto Mancini questions why Leeds star not signed by Serie A clubs, suggests two

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Italy manager Roberto Mancini has been quoted by Tutto Mercato Web as questioning why no Serie A clubs signed Leeds United wonderkid Willy Gnonto – suggesting the likes of Fiorentina or Sampdoria could have snapped him up.

Gnonto, 19, has been a revelation since the club brought him to Elland Road on deadline day. It comes after moves for Cody Gakpo and Bamba Dieng fell through. Leeds planned to sign Gnonto from Zurich in the future windows.

But Leeds moved signed him last summer and it is a move that has proven to be a massive success. The eight-time Italy star has since gone on to play 20 times for the Whites, following his £4.5m move, having a hand in seven goals.

Scoring four himself – including one against Manchester United at Old Trafford, and a Paolo Di Canio-like scissor kick against Cardiff – Gnonto has also laid on three assists. The latest coming in the win over Wolves on Saturday.

Gnonto is now with Mancini’s Italy side as they prepare to take on England and Malta over the next few days. Asked about the Leeds wonderkid in a press conference, Mancini questioned why no Italian clubs had decided to sign him.

“Why hasn’t anyone taken Gnonto in Italy? He could have played for Sampdoria, Fiorentina. No one signed him, but he plays as a regular in the Premier League,” Mancini said, frustrated at a lack of talent coming through in Serie A.

Mancini questions why no Serie A clubs signed Leeds wonderkid Gnonto

Gnonto’s form for Leeds, since joining the club from Zurich, is attracting interest. A report from Italian newspaper Gazzetta Dello Sport claim this week that Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea are all considering moves for him.

But, would a move to a big club like the aforementioned benefit Gnonto? Join a side where he may be in and out of a team that boast plenty of big-hitters? Or is it be better to stay at Leeds and keep improving, given he is so young.

As Leeds fans, we know the answer to that question. But for Gnonto – does he think he is ready for a big club and what would Mancini like him to do? There will be plenty of interest, and plenty of opinions, come the summer.