Gnonto drops Chelsea hint with 'incredible' comment

Tom Hancock

• Updated: 24 Mar 2023 10:43 GMT
• 3 min read

Leeds prodigy Wilfried Gnonto has been singing the praises of Chelsea star Raheem Sterling, ahead of a potential summer switch to Stamford Bridge.

A breakout star at Elland Road this season, the 19-year-old winger has been one of the few bright sparks in a disappointing campaign for Leeds, who are scrapping for Premier League survival.

Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Gnonto, who joined Leeds from Swiss Super League outfit FC Zurich back in September and is already a regular for the Italian national team.

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Gnonto made his Leeds debut in October and had an immediate impact, playing a pivotal part in Crysencio Summerville’s 89th-minute winner as the Whites stunningly beat Liverpool at Anfield.

Since then, the diminutive dangerman has gone from strength to strength, with his transfer value skyrocketing to €24.3M as he's established himself as a key member of the Leeds team and scored his first four goals for the club.

Those strikes included a Paolo Di Canio-esque volley against Cardiff City in the FA Cup, and first-minute opener in February’s 2-2 draw with arch-rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Stunned by Sterling

Gnonto faced another of Leeds’ historic foes for the first time earlier this month, coming off the bench in a 1-0 defeat away to Chelsea – where he encountered, and was evidently very impressed by, Sterling.

Speaking about that game, Gnonto told Corriere della Sera: “Coming up against him in the Premier League was incredible. I [enjoyed] every moment.”

Gnonto was a second-half substitute as Italy lost 2-1 to England in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier on Thursday night – although he didn’t get to pit himself against Sterling on this occasion, with the forward absent from the Three Lions squad due to injury.