Six-time English champions Chelsea have made Leeds United star Crysencio Summerville their top target this summer, according to TEAMtalk.
The 22-year-old is widely expected to depart Elland Road once the transfer window opens later this month, with a host of Premier League clubs said to be interested. Summerville is coming off the back of his career best season, where he scored 21 goals in all competitions.
It was this form which saw him land both the Championship Player of the Season and Leeds’ Players’ Player of the Year. Despite that, he was unable to fire the Whites back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, with Daniel Farke’s side falling at the last hurdle with a 1-0 defeat against Southampton in the play-off final.
As a result, a summer of change is expected at the Yorkshire club. It is said that they will need to raise significant funds after failing to gain promotion, with a host of key stars generating interest from both the top tier and around Europe. Wilfried Gnonto continues to have admirers from across the continent whilst starlet Archie Gray is being closely watched by a number of teams in the Premier League and German giants Bayern Munich.
As for Summerville, the likes of Liverpool, Aston Villa and Newcastle United have all been linked, with Chelsea reportedly joining the race last week. However, the Blues are now hoping to steer a march on their rivals and have made the winger their top transfer target.
It is said that incoming boss Enzo Maresca is desperate to secure the services of the winger to replace Raheem Sterling, who looks set to move on in the coming months. The Italian has also personally recommended the former Feyenoord youngster to the board.
Leeds stand to make a huge profit on their talisman. Having purchased the attacker for just £1.25 million in 2020, he is now expected to generate a fee of between £30-45 million.
Writer’s View
There could be a bidding war for Summerville once the transfer window opens, which will suit Leeds. They will of course be reluctant to lose the player, but they know that it will be a move that suits all parties. He is their prized asset and the one which could generate the most funds, except possibly Archie Gray. However, the youngster could remain at Elland Road to continue his astronomical rise.
Enzo Maresca will know all about the Dutchman’s capabilities, having watched his Leicester side lose both games against the Whites this season. This does seem like the kind of signing that Chelsea would do, and they will be confident that their financial clout will see them win the battle.
