Willy Gnonto has featured sporadically for Leeds so far this season.
The Italy international has made nine Premier League appearances in total out of a possible 17 – with only four of those coming as starts as he missed seven games due to a calf injury.
Willy Gnonto has struggled to get back into the starting XI under Daniel Farke since recovering from his calf issues, largely due to the new 3-5-2 formation which focuses on wing-backs providing the width rather than attackers.
Now – according to Fiorentina Uno – the Italian could be on the move.
Fiorentina working to sign Willy Gnonto as Leeds United scour the market
The Italian news outlet believe Fiorentina view the Leeds No.29 as the ideal winter signing, as they aim to drag themselves away from the bottom of Serie A.
If we get offered £10m or more for Gnonto we have to sell, right? 🇮🇹
That money can be used on someone better suited to the 3-5-2 formation… 💰
Fiorentina Uno state that the Italian outfit are set to offload Edin Dzeko in January and need a replacement, with Gnonto seen as a suitable option given his lack of opportunities under Farke.
The source adds that Leeds themselves are looking to sign other players who play in his position, suggesting the 49ers would be open to a departure.
However, Fiorentina Uno make it clear that the Serie A strugglers can only focus on a loan deal initially, but would be open to Leeds inserting a summer purchase obligation in the terms.
Gnonto remains under contract at Elland Road until July 2028 – so Leeds are in no particular rush to sell.
49ers need to make an attacking reinforcement before entertaining Willy Gnonto departure
Despite not featuring too much this season, Gnonto has still proved his worth in recent weeks.
The man born in Verbania won the penalty against Liverpool which helped Leeds fight back to secure a 3-3 draw, and also whipped in a superb cross for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to nod in and earn a 1-1 draw away to Brentford.
Who has been Leeds United’s best player this season? 🔟
We're almost at the halfway stage…
As a result, the 49ers cannot afford to let Gnonto leave without signing a replacement first, or else it will leave Farke in a difficult position with even less attacking depth to call upon.
A permanent sale – even an initial loan with an obligation to buy this summer – would help Leeds out financially in terms of the well documented PSR situation. The deadline to make sales for this financial year is June 30th.
However, in terms of the football itself, Leeds risk putting a severe dent in their hopes of survival if Gnonto is allowed to leave before a replacement arrives first.
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