Chelsea have already done transfer deal which should work against them in battle to sign Leeds’ Archie Gray

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Leeds United should have a good idea on how much they can ask for Archie Gray based on a piece of business Chelsea have already done this summer.

The Blues have become the latest side to express an interest in the 18-year-old, but a deal certainly should not come cheaply.

Paraag Marathe could not confirm either way whether Gray would be staying in an interview earlier this month, but did suggest they will take fan reaction into consideration when making decisions.

Though Crysencio Summerville, Willy Gnonto and Illan Meslier are all also attracting interest, losing Gray would be the bitterest of blows for Leeds supporters.

It would be even worse if a deal was sanctioned for way below his market value, which Leeds have a history of doing when it comes to selling players in recent years.

• READ MORE: ‘Sensational’ Leeds United player has already signed his contract to leave Elland Road, exit ‘imminent’

Why Chelsea have already disadvantaged themselves in Gray race

Chelsea have splashed the cash heavily on numerous young players over the last couple of years, and this summer looks set to be no different.

17-year-old Estêvão Willian has already agreed to join Chelsea in 2025 for a fee that could eventually reach £57 million, while young striker Marc Guiu is also close to a move from Barcelona.

But it is one of their other imminent transfer moves which Leeds should be looking to use as a benchmark when it comes to setting Gray’s asking price.

Chelsea are on the verge of announcing the signing of Omari Kellyman from Aston Villa for a fee of around £19 million.

Kellyman is actually the same age as Gray and is clearly a top talent, but has done very little to justify a price tag of that magnitude at this stage of his career. He has played just 148 minutes of senior football in his whole career.

When you compare that to Gray, it is night and day. Gray has surpassed 50 appearances for Leeds, is an England U21 international and is already on the radar of Gareth Southgate.

Gray has also just signed a new long-term deal at Elland Road, and has numerous elite clubs from across Europe chasing his signature this summer.

Using all those factors, while comparing the fee Chelsea have paid for Kellyman, Leeds should not even consider offers that are below £50 million. Villa have shown the way and Leeds need to follow.

• READ MORE: Why Archie Gray’s family could be key in Leeds United talent rejecting a move to Chelsea

Leeds should ask for Carney Chukwuemeka if Chelsea firm up interest

As mentioned, Chelsea have spent an awful lot of money on young players in recent years that aren’t overly close to becoming a regular at Stamford Bridge.

And while Leeds should demand a huge fee if it comes to selling Gray, there is also someone they can ask for in return as an impressive, direct replacement from Chelsea.

That man is Carney Chukwuemeka, who due to a combination of injuries and lack of opportunities, has not really progressed since his £20 million arrival from Aston Villa two years ago.

Gray’s exit needs to be done on Leeds’ terms and if one of the options is getting someone like Chukwuemeka in return, then the ball is in Chelsea’s court.