South American refuses to rule out Leeds United move, he would cost more than Georginio Rutter

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Leeds United are expected to make some major moves in the transfer market this summer as Daniel Farke and Adam Underwood look to work together to build a squad capable of survival.

Leeds are in the market for new signings with Paraag Marathe confirming every possible penny will be spent this summer. Leeds need a goalkeeper, a centre-back, a left-back, midfielder, no.10 and a striker.

That, and more strength in depth under Daniel Farke. While the season will be eight games shorter, Leeds can’t afford to bring in players that represent a big drop in quality from first team to the sub’s bench.

One player Leeds are interested in is Marseille captain and Argentina international Leonardo Balerdi. The Whites are even said to have sent scouts to go and watch Balerdi in action for Roberto De Zerbi’s side.

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Now, Leonardo Balerdi has spoken out about his Marseille future

Initial reports suggested Leeds could do a deal for £20m, but subsequent outlets in France have made it clear that Marseille’s asking price for Balerdi is a whopping £38m. Little surprise, given his 2024-25 form.

Marseille qualified for the Champions League on Saturday with a win over Le Havre. Speaking ahead of the game, Balerdi was quoted by The Mirror as saying that he would be open to a summer transfer.

“I say it every year: I’m very happy in Marseille, I feel good. I’ve always said I’d like to bring something back here to Marseille and I still have that goal, now, I have to focus on the last match,” Balerdi said.

“After that, we’ll see about the transfer window but I haven’t looked at the offers. After that, I don’t know. I’d like the team to be in the Champions League and then I’ll ask myself about my future,” he added.

Why Arsenal or Aymeric Laporte could hand Leeds a big boost

Balerdi’s huge asking price would make him a club-record signing at Elland Road if The Whites were committed to paying such a sum. It would see him overtake Georginio Rutter’s £35m in January 2023.

But Leeds are in the hunt for Balerdi and may find a boost comes from either Arsenal, or Aymeric Laporte. The latter is currently at Al Nassr with Cristiano Ronaldo, but Marseille are very keen on signing Laporte.

Meanwhile, Marseille also want to sign Arsenal’s Poland defender Jakub Kiwior. Either signing would act as a replacement for Balerdi or at least, another central defender and may loosen their grip on Balerdi.