Demarai Gray looks increasingly likely to leave Everton this summer as he continues to attract interest from the likes of Saudi Arabia, Crystal Palace and Fulham.
With very few attacks among their ranks, the Toffees desperately need to replace Gray and would ideally land an upgrade as they look to avoid a second consecutive relegation battle.
There is one name that has been the centre of all rumours around Goodison Park lately and that name is Wilfried Gnonto – Demarai Gray’s perfect replacement.
Gnonto joined Leeds United from Zurich last summer after netting eight goals in the Swiss Super League during the 2021-22 season.
The Italian was still relatively unproven but was very quick to adapt, taking only a few months to rack up a highlights reel that Neymar would be proud of.
While Gnonto’s two goals and four assists isn’t anything worth shouting about, it was his performances that caught the eye of many.
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The 19-year-old holds both speed and agility to his advantage, often weaving past defences and making the crowd watch on in awe.
Gnonto has similar attributes to Gray in that both can use their pace and trickery to create chances, while their goalscoring stats arguably aren’t quite as impressive.
The young winger showed so much potential in a very short space of time for Leeds, as well as being in a squad that were eventually relegated. Gnonto wasn’t even given a long enough run in the team to really prove himself – which is saying a lot.
Wilfried Gnonto would be an upgrade on Demarai Gray
At eight years Gray’s junior, Gnonto is already close to reaching the levels of the 27-year-old and will easily exceed his prime if he can reach his potential.
With only two goals to his name last season, the teenager still has plenty of time to develop and work on his ability in front of goal.
Gnonto’s price tag is arguably the only aspect of his potential transfer that could raise eyebrows, but that is only because of Everton’s own financial issues.
Gnonto’s £21.5 million valuation could really be a huge coup if he can reach the heights he is clearly capable of and he could be worth significantly more in five years time.
Sean Dyche’s side need to put a lot of effort into wrapping up a deal for Gnonto quickly before other clubs decide to push forward with a move, because otherwise Gray’s exit will look a lot more concerning.