Two Bundesliga teams are spearheading the race for talented 18-year-old Italian youngster Gnonto, who has taken FC Zurich by storm with his displays.
FLORENCE, ITALY - JUNE 05: Wilfried Gnonto of Italy attendsduring a Italy training session at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on June 05, 2022 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Sassuolo Defy Foreign Sides for New Azzurri Revelation

Sassuolo are among the Serie A clubs tracking Wilfried Gnonto. The youngster had generated interest especially abroad before his national team debut. The Neroverdi touched base with Zurich, which could sell him this summer since he has just a year on his contract.

According to Sky, Hoffenheim are currently the frontrunners to sign the 18-year-old. They hired coach André Breitenreiter, who was previously helming the starlet’s team. Freiburg and Antwerp are also keen on him. He costs €7/8M. Monza, Fiorentina and PSV are considering him as well, Corriere dello Sport reports.

Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali addressed the chatter about Gnonto to Sky.

“He is a player that could suit our philosophy. We had inquired about him in previous weeks. Surely things will change after his performance against Germany. It is one further proof that sometimes you have to wait for youngsters and just field them.”

The attacker left the Inter youth academy in 2020 and joined Zurich on a free. He contributed to their title with 8 goals and 3 assists in 33 appearances in league play last season. He has logged 62 total appearances with the Swiss outfit, hitting the net 11 times.

Our Take on Sassuolo Eyeing Gnonto

The Neroverdi are one of the few Italian sides that can not be blamed for how they treat youngsters. Gnonto would be a great fit for Sassuolo, considering that they are more likely than not to lose a couple of their offensive stars. They should not be short on cash, and his price tag is not too high.