Everton winger Demarai Gray is expected to leave Goodison Park before the transfer window slams shut on 1st September. The Toffees will need a replacement for the Jamaican winger and they already have certain names on the list. Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto was an attractive option before EFC started exploring alternatives.
The Italian winger has been a target all summer for Everton with the Toffees even launching bids to sign Gnonto. At one stage, EFC were considered to be favourites to sign Gnonto but the Toffees later started looking at alternatives after Gnonto’s advisers started having doubts over a move to Goodison Park. Even Leeds United want to keep hold of the 19 year old.
The Toffees started looking at Brazilian winger Tete, who has eventually joined Galatasaray. Everton are also interested in signing Southampton winger Kamaldeen Sulemana, who was a target for the Merseysiders in January.
Everton to reignite interest in Wilfried Gnonto
Gray is expected to leave amid interest from Premier League sides and abroad. Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal were keen on Gray but there is concrete interest from Crystal Palace and Fulham. Palace are looking to replace Wilfried Zaha, who left as a free agent.
The 27 year old has one year left on his current contract and he is not a core part of Sean Dyche’s plans. Gray’s departure would see EFC jump into the market for a winger and Gnonto would have been a viable replacement.
According to Football Transfers, Everton are looking to rekindle their interest in Gnonto. Personal terms with the Italian winger won’t be an issue with the club already talking to the Italian’s agent, Claudio Vigorelli. EFC have been working on the deal since April and progress was being made until the talks stalled.
EFC will look to make another move for Gnonto while keeping eyes on Sulemana. The 19 year old has reportedly asked Leeds United manager Daniel Farke to not be considered for selection. Gnonto missed the game against Shrewsbury because of injury. The 19 year old is growing frustrated as he is not able to speak to the interested clubs as he eyes a return to the English Top Flight.
The Italian is skeptical of playing in the Championship as he fears that playing in the second division might harm his chances of being included in the Italy squad for EURO 2024. Everton may have to make a concrete push to convince Leeds into making a sale and it needs to happen quickly.
Will Everton sign Wilfried Gnonto?