Italian club’s President delivers verdict on future of Leeds-linked goal machine

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United have reportedly had a bid rejected for SPAL goal machine Andrea Petagna, and now the Serie A club’s President Walter Mattioli has told CalcioMercato that his side are doing everything they can to keep the striker.

Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb have claimed that Leeds tabled an offer worth £13.8million for the 24-year-old striker, but have been told that they would need to spend £23million to land the Italy international.

Petagna partnered ex-Leeds star Mirco Antenucci up front for SPAL last term, scoring 16 league goals during a loan spell from Atalanta. He helped them finish in a comfortable 13th place, and was signed permanently this summer.

But his goals have caught the eye of Leeds who were keen on bringing the striker to Elland Road, as per TMW’s report. But Mattioli has echoed the claim that SPAL want more money, stating his side are desperate to keep him.

“It is our goal to keep them [Petagna and teammate Mohames Fares] in Ferrara to make a competitive team. The championship is coming and the market is still long, but we will do everything to keep them,” Mattioli said.

TBR’s view – Do Leeds need Petagna, given the price tag?

Kemar Roofe netted 15 goals for Leeds despite spending two substantial periods on the sidelines through injury, while Patrick Bamford impressed in glimpses despite a long-term knee injury.

Yes, Leeds could do with a striker given that both Bamford and Roofe were somewhat prone to injury last term. But at an enormous fee of £23million, Leeds have got to look elsewhere.

Petagna boasts the quality that you would expect would entice Premier League suitors. Given his price tag, Leeds cannot afford to spend that kind of money on a player that is not desperately required.