Fiorentina open talks with Leeds United for Wilfried Gnonto

Fiorentina have opened negotiations with Leeds United over a potential move for Wilfried Gnonto as Fabio Grosso looks to strengthen his attacking options before the transfer deadline.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Serie A club are working on more than one addition and have identified Gnonto alongside Alieu Njie as a concrete option for their forward line.

Talks are now underway as Fiorentina attempt to understand Leeds’ demands and whether an agreement can be reached for the 22-year-old.

Fiorentina's interest has moved beyond simply identifying Gnonto as a possible target.

Di Marzio reports that the Viola have started negotiations for the Leeds winger, with contacts between the relevant parties ongoing.

The structure and potential value of a deal have not yet been reported, meaning there is still work required before an agreement can be considered close.

For Fiorentina, Gnonto's pace and unpredictability are viewed as attributes that could provide Grosso with another dimension in the attacking areas.

Fiorentina's pursuit forms part of Grosso's wider plan to have two players available for every position.

Njie is another attacking player being pursued, but Fiorentina's move for Gnonto indicates the club are not limiting themselves to a single target as they attempt to improve their squad.

Gnonto can operate across the attacking positions and would strengthen the options available on the flanks.

A move would also bring the Italy international back to the country where his career began.

The attacker developed in Inter Milan's youth system before leaving Italy for FC Zurich and subsequently joining Leeds.

The next stage of negotiations will depend heavily on the conditions Leeds establish for Gnonto's departure.

Fiorentina are currently assessing the margins available to complete the operation, with no indication yet of whether Leeds would consider a permanent transfer, loan or another structure.

Gnonto remains a concrete target rather than a completed deal, but the opening of negotiations represents a significant step in Fiorentina's pursuit.

With the deadline approaching, both clubs will need to determine quickly whether their respective valuations and conditions can be brought together.

Fiorentina will continue discussions to establish Leeds' conditions for allowing Gnonto to leave.

The Italian club's interest is now concrete, but an agreement still needs to be negotiated. With the transfer deadline approaching, the coming talks should determine whether Gnonto has a realistic opportunity to return to Italian football.