Leeds United set asking price for Archie Gray after Chelsea show interest in him
Chelsea have become the latest elite Premier League club to show an interest in Leeds United starlet Archie Gray.
The Blues have made it their mission under the ownership of Todd Boehly to sign some of world football’s top young talents and it appears as though Gray could be next on their radar.
Leeds do seem to be in need of at least one big sale this summer in order to remain compliant with PSR, with Crysencio Summerville and Archie Gray certainly among the main candidates.
Summerville has also been linked with a potential switch to Stamford Bridge among other Premier League clubs, but nothing at this stage is advanced.
But given his allegiance to Leeds and family legacy, Gray’s departure would be the one that really hurt the most, particularly to somewhere like Chelsea.
Leeds set asking price for Gray amid Chelsea interest
When asked at the beginning of the month about Gray’s future, chairman Paraag Marathe could not commit either way as to whether he would stay.
That is an understandable position to take given the window had not even opened yet, but he did admit fan reaction would play a role in some of their decisions.
But that is not likely to hinder Chelsea when it comes to trying to prise Gray to the capital and according to the Daily Telegraph, Leeds have set their asking price.
It is said Leeds want well in excess of £30 million to even start entertaining offers for the 18-year-old, a similar figure to that of Summerville.
The report also adds that Leeds have ‘financial issues to solve’ this summer, but given they have shown no urgency to make a big sale before the all important date of June 30, that may not actually be the case.
Chelsea are not the only club to have expressed their interest in Gray, with Borussia Dortmund also believed to be genuine contenders in the race.
Leeds could easily ask for more than £30m for Gray
If Leeds were to sell for anywhere close to that £30 million mark, they would be grossly undervaluing Gray’s worth.
The fact he is English, still only 18, on a long-term contract and in no rush to leave all stands in Leeds’ favour when it comes to negotiations.
Given how many elite clubs are actually after him, it shows just how high his potential is and somewhere closer to the £50 million mark would be far more reasonable to even start talks.
Leeds have made a habit of selling players for less than they are worth in recent years but hopefully 49ers Enterprises will be different.
