Roma manager Jose Mourinho has crossed the hypothesis of pursuing a deal for Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata. Protracted negotiations with La Dea have made I Giallorossi look for alternatives, with the name of Leeds United’s Wilfried Gnonto popping up out of the blue, as per Calciomercato.
Despite casting a wide net to replace long-term absentee Tammy Abraham, Roma will start the new season with Andrea Belotti as the only center-forward option. After several busted attempts to recruit Gianluca Scamacca and Alvaro Morata, Mourinho turned to Zapata as an emergency solution.
However, Roma couldn’t strike a deal with Atalanta. Time has become a factor, and Mourinho cannot afford to waste another week on a wild goose chase. And when it looked like he might have to settle for Belotti as the only out-and-out striker, an opportunity presented itself.
Gnonto is desperate to leave Elland Road following Leeds’ relegation from the Premier League. Though he’s not a striker in the strictest sense, the Inter academy graduate would be a massive coup for Roma. His versatility allows him to cover multiple positions alongside the frontline.
Given Paulo Dybala’s proneness to injuries, Gnonto would be a perfect signing for Roma. But Leeds’ reluctance to sell the Italian youngster has already put out Everton and several other Premier League clubs. Luckily for I Giallorssi, the 19-year-old’s homesickness plays straight into their hands.
Leeds can hardly keep hold of an unhappy player. Yet, they’re in a position to demand high figures. So it’s up to Roma chief Tiago Pinto to work out his magic.
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