Chelsea get Archie Gray verdict: Club 'pushing hard' for Leeds wonderkid

Tom Weber

• Updated: 28 Jun 2024 15:59 BST
• 2 min read

Despite serious interest from the Premier League, Archie Gray's 'most likely destination' is Borussia Dortmund this summer, according to a report.

Leeds United are bracing themselves for the departure of one of the club's biggest talents in recent history. Versatile young star Archie Gray appears to be on the way out of his boyhood club.

The midfielder and right-back enjoyed a brilliant breakout season last term, being given the trust of coach Daniel Farke at just 17 years of age despite the high stakes that come with playing for a promotion-chasing side.

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For months, speculation surrounding Gray's future has been rampant, with Liverpool, Man Utd and Arsenal all linked with the 18-year-old. Earlier on Friday, Chelsea also reportedly entered the fray as they seek to snap up yet another talented youngster.

However, Stamford Bridge is not Gray's most likely destination.

Gray to Dortmund?

Instead, the teenager appears to be heading to the Bundesliga. At least that's according to HITC, which claims that the in-demand player's most realistic next club is Borussia Dortmund.

It is claimed that the Champions League finalists are 'pushing hard' to make Gray their next Jadon Sancho or Jude Bellingham. Contrary to some of the inflated figures previously bandied about, it is asserted that Dortmund could land the 18-year-old for a fee of around €40 million upfront.

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Substantial add-ons could take the deal north of €60m, which casts some doubt on whether the Black and Yellow really are his most likely next club. Borussia Dortmund can't and won't spend that kind of money on a teenager, no matter how much potential he has.

Leeds are expected to be under pressure to sell one or two big names, so they might be willing to lower their demands for Gray, who would represent pure profit on the books. The homegrown hero currently has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €20.5m.