According to the outlet’s website on 22 July, Everton and Leeds United are currently just £5 million apart in their valuation of winger Wilfried Gnonto, who is “keen” to move to Goodison Park after his transfer was blocked last year.
Everton are willing to pay £20 million for the Italian international, while Leeds are asking for £25 million. However, an agreement could be reached in the “very near future.” If the lower fee is paid upfront and performance-related add-ons are included to reach the higher amount, the signing could be completed this week.
Gnonto’s potential arrival is expected to coincide with the impending agreement for Jesper Lindstrom from Napoli, after the Dane bid farewell to his teammates amid personal terms negotiations with Everton [Gazzetta dello Sport, 22 July].
Sean Dyche is close to securing a second winger from Elland Road after Jack Harrison’s return. Amadou Onana’s big-money move to Aston Villa seems to be key to unlocking these new arrivals at Goodison Park.
Despite the collapse of the Dan Friedkin takeover, the club appears to be proceeding with recruitment, though there remains a risk of more sales [Talking the Blues, 20 July].
Adding Gnonto and Lindstrom to the squad, along with Jack Harrison on loan and the permanent signing of Iliman Ndiaye from Marseille, would provide Sean Dyche with more attacking options. Last season, Dyche had to rely on Harrison, Dwight McNeil, Abdoulaye Doucouré, and loanee Arnaut Danjuma for the three positions behind the striker.
With Danjuma returning to Villarreal, bringing in these winger targets could strengthen the unit significantly. As long as Dyche and Kevin Thelwell can bring in enough reinforcements to fill any gaps left by additional sales, there should be some confidence in the manager’s ability to improve the squad over the past two seasons.
Long-term financial concerns will persist as long as Farhad Moshiri is unable to sell the club. However, there is at least some positive news to balance out the negative developments.
