Leeds United have joined the race for Fluminense playmaker Jhon Arias but face stiff competition for the Colombian from clubs in the Premier League, according to the latest reports.
The West Yorkshire outfit are looking to bolster their squad this summer as the transfer window has now opened up. Daniel Farke will be keen to assemble a strong squad that can compete for promotion next season despite certain players potentially being sold over the coming two-and-a-half months.
Leeds United To Trump Southampton & Leicester City In Race For £2 Million-Rated Gem
The Whites are in a spot of bother after missing out on the play-offs three weeks ago. Parachute payments will be reduced heading into the club’s second season after being relegated from the top-flight, while the English side owe £73 million in outstanding credit from player purchases before the end of this month, meaning key assets will likely be sold.
Crysencio Summerville is the most wanted man at Elland Road this summer. The Dutchman scored 21 goals and recorded 10 assists in 49 appearances in all competitions for Leeds United and is wanted by numerous teams in the Premier League, including Chelsea and Liverpool. The Telegraph recently reported that the board have slapped a £30 million price tag on his back.
With it becoming increasingly likely that Summerville will leave the Championship outfit this summer, Leeds are already eyeing up his replacement. According to reports in Brazil, via MOT Leeds News, the club have made a proposal to Brazilian giants Fluminense to sign the attacking midfielder, who can also play out wide.
Arias was an integral part of Flu’s team that lifted the coveted Copa Libertadores crown last year and reached the final of the UEFA Champions League where they faced Manchester City. Furthermore, in 2024, he has bagged seven goals and recorded four assists in just 27 matches which has seen his market value rise to £10 million, as per Transfermarkt.
Writer’s View
Summerville is almost definitely going to leave Leeds United this summer. The Dutch winger is too good to spend another season in the Championship and the Whites need to recoup some money to pay outstanding debts. £30 million for the 22-year-old would go a long way in achieving this.
Regardless, there have also been talks that Wilfried Gnonto is heading for the exit door too after a topsy-turvy campaign which saw him in and out of the side. Signing a replacement like Arias would be a good piece of business by Leeds but West Ham United are currently leading the race for the Colombia international.
Deputy Head of Writing
