Fiorentina have moved closer to signing Wilfried Gnonto from Leeds United, but the Italian club’s proposed deal remains dependent on the English side finding a replacement for the winger.
Gnonto, the Italy international of Ivorian descent, has been given permission by Leeds to travel to Florence as Fiorentina attempt to complete a loan move with an option to buy.
However, permission to travel does not mean the transfer has been finalised.
Leeds are understood to be determined not to allow the 22-year-old to leave unless they first bring in another attacking player. The club was still working on potential replacements on Monday, with the transfer window approaching its deadline.
Fiorentina have been interested in Gnonto previously and have now returned to the possibility of signing him after the Italian club revived negotiations in recent days.
The proposed agreement would see Fiorentina take the forward on loan with an option to make the move permanent. The Serie A side is also expected to cover Gnonto’s wages.
For the player, a move to Florence could provide an opportunity to secure the regular playing time he has struggled to find since moving to Leeds.
Gnonto was born in Verbania, Italy, in 2003 to Ivorian parents and grew up in Baveno. He developed through Italian football before moving abroad and establishing himself in England.
The forward has represented Italy at international level, but his family background gives his career an important African connection through his Ivorian heritage.
His immediate concern, however, is his club future.
Gnonto has found it difficult to establish himself as a regular starter at Leeds. Last season, he started only seven matches, with four of those coming in the Premier League and three in cup competitions.
Although he made 29 appearances during the campaign, the limited number of starts meant he was unable to play the consistent role he would have wanted.
That situation has opened the door for Fiorentina, who believe regular football in Florence could help Gnonto regain prominence.
The Italian club had initially shown interest earlier in the transfer window but subsequently stepped away from the deal. That interest has now returned, with Fiorentina looking to give the player greater responsibility.
Leeds, meanwhile, are focused on protecting their attacking options.
The club does not want to lose Gnonto without bringing in another winger, particularly with little time remaining before the transfer window closes. The search for a replacement has therefore become central to whether the Italian will be allowed to complete his move.
One of the players reportedly attracting Leeds’ attention is Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk.
The Ukraine international is said to be keen on a move to Leeds, although a deal remains difficult to complete. Manchester United are also interested in the winger, while Chelsea are considering other possibilities for his future.
If Leeds manage to sign Mudryk or another player capable of operating on the left side of their attack, Gnonto’s departure could become possible.
