Two clubs pushing to sign Leeds ace in January, one of them was close to a deal in the summer

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A report from Italian outlet Napoli Calcio Live claims that Fiorentina are leading the race to sign Leeds United talent Willy Gnonto in January – but will have to fend off competition from Sassuolo to get him.

Gnonto, 19, remained at Leeds in the summer despite interest from England, Italy and Germany. Clubs like Everton, Freiburg and a whole host of Serie A clubs were said to be interested in signing Gnonto.

But Leeds told him he would be remaining at Elland Road – which saw him refuse to play for the club in three matches against Shrewsbury, Birmingham City and West Brom. He returned away at Ipswich.

In which, Gnonto scored in a 4-3 win. He has since played against Salford and Sheffield Wednesday and he will remain a Leeds player until the January window. Gnonto has also retained his place with Italy.

But come the January window, Leeds may be tested again in their bid to keep hold of the Italian winger. The report says Europa Conference League finalists Fiorentina are interested in nabbing our Gnonto.

It is claimed that La Viola tried to sign him in the summer and were ‘close’ to doing so. But if Fiorentina are to get him in the January window, they would have to get the better of Serie A rivals Sassuolo.

Fiorentina and Sassuolo could make Gnonto move in January

What will play in our favour of keeping Gnonto, is that he has been called up by Italy in September even in the face of two major factors. One, being in the Championship. The other, Italy changing managers.

Roberto Mancini admired Gnonto and picked him even while he was playing in Switzerland. Luciano Spalletti has replaced him and Gnonto may have worried about his spot in the side. But he needn’t have.

So, if Gnonto tries to use the excuse of needing to leave Leeds in order to win his place in Italy’s side ahead of Euro 2024, well then that is rubbish. But, Fiorentina and Sassuolo could move in January.