Agbonlahor ‘100%’ sure on Wilfried Gnonto quitting Leeds United after what he’s seen
Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed Wilfried Gnonto’s impressive displays for Italy will only make it even harder for Leeds United to keep him at the club.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 19-year-old still has “a lot to learn” but acknowledged that his lofty potential will attract top clubs.
According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport (21 March), Gnonto is a target for Premier League trio Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City ahead of the summer window.
The winger has also been linked with Italian giants Juventus and Napoli.
The youngster produced an electric substitute appearance with his ninth cap for Italy on Thursday night as the Azzurri fell to a 2-1 home defeat against England.
Gnonto, who joined Leeds for a fee which could rise to over £10million last summer, has also contributed four goals and three assists in his first 20 appearances for the Whites.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “The problem for Leeds is that when you’re playing for a country like Italy, you’re going to get this attention.
“I do like Gnonto, but I don’t think he’s outstanding. Not at the moment.
“But he’s still young, he’s got a lot to learn. But the potential is there, and clubs love to sign players with potential.
“I think he could definitely hold his own at clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal or Juventus.
“Where he’s so young, and he’s already doing it for his club and country – it’s going to make it so hard for Leeds to hold on to him.
“If he can keep scoring and playing well on the international stage, then that will 100% make it harder for Leeds to keep him.
“But it will also mean that his price tag increases.”
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