Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested Everton should move on from their pursuit of Leeds United star Wilfried Gnonto.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 19-year-old is not better than Toffees winger Demarai Gray in a dig at Gnonto’s “end product” and finishing abilities.
The Italy international has been a target for Everton all summer, with Football Insider revealing (12 August) that Leeds are privately holding out for a well-structured fee of at least £25million before considering selling.
The Whites released a statement last week (11 August) confirming Gnonto did not feel able to play in clashes with Shrewsbury and Birmingham as he wants to leave the club.
He joined Leeds just last summer (2022), notching four goals and four assists in his first season as the Yorkshire giants were relegated from the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Everton – who only narrowly avoided the drop last term – have already added 19-year-old Youssef Chermiti to their forward options this summer.
Agbonlahor suggested Gnonto could face backlash from the Leeds fans if his move doesn’t materialise.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think they need more experience and Everton should move on.
“Gnonto has refused to play, and he has to be very careful. There’s no reason why Everton won’t go elsewhere.
“He’d be left in the lurch with a passionate fanbase who will boo him.
“I think he’ll be playing for Leeds at the start of September.
“To make yourself unavailable, it’s a silly move. I don’t know who is advising him.
“I just don’t understand. He’d be a decent signing for Everton – but I’m not having him.
“Everyone got excited last season, but he’s only shown glimpses so far. His end product isn’t great, he’s not a good finisher.
“I’m not sure about him. Because he’s young, that’s where all the gas comes from.
“Is he better than Demarai Gray? I don’t think he is.”
In other news, major update on Everton striker deal after new talks.
