Fabrizio Romano issues Chelsea update that could impact future of Leeds United's Gabriel Gudmundsson
A development at Chelsea could boost Leeds United’s hopes of retaining Gabriel Gudmundsson
Leeds United’s hopes of retaining Gabriel Gudmundsson could be boosted by movement on the transfer front at Chelsea.
Gudmundsson joined Leeds from Lille for a reported £10m last year and did not take long to endear himself to the Elland Road faithful.
The 27-year-old took to life in the Premier League like a duck to water, making the left-back spot and later the left wing-back spot his own.
Chelsea development could impact Leeds United
A recent report indicated he was on the radar of Chelsea, who have lost their star left-back Marc Cucurella to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Talk of interest in a key player always sparks worry, but it appears the Blues are looking elsewhere for the new left-back they desire.
According to reporter Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are in talks with Rayo Vallecano over a move for their highly-rated defender Pep Chavarría.
The 28-year-old, who has spent his entire career in Spanish football, is supposedly keen on making the switch to Stamford Bridge.
Posting on X, Romano said: “Chelsea are in club to club talks with Rayo Vallecano for Pep Chavarría as new left back. Initial contact made with player keen on the move, as Matteo Moretto reported.”
Chelsea have already signed teenage left-back Denner from Corinthians and if Chavarría is recruited, a move for Gudmundsson will appear incredibly unlikely.
Leeds fans, therefore, may be keen to see the London club push the proposed deal for Chavarría over the line.
Gabriel Gudmundsson’s rising stock
In an interview with The Yorkshire Post in May, ex-Whites defender Stephen Warnock warned Leeds could face interest in Gudmundsson from elsewhere.
He said: “It's difficult to place him [among the best left-backs] in the Premier League because he’s a wing-back. I think he's suited to that role more so than anything, but I do think there will be clubs looking at him in the Premier League thinking ‘yeah’. He'd certainly be one that teams would look to poach.
“I really like him. I think the interesting thing is that he was brought in as a left-back but he's predominantly played left-wing back because of the change of system, and I think that suited him because I think he's more of an attack-minded player, an attack-minded full-back.
“I think predominantly, now, what we're seeing is more attack-minded full-backs, ones who don't really like defending.
“He can actually defend - he's good at the back post, he's good in one-v-one situations, but I think his biggest threat is his runs going forward and his delivery into the box.”
Gudmundsson is currently on duty at the World Cup with Sweden and has helped Graham Potter’s side set up a showdown with France in the round of 32.