Leeds United star Gabriel Gudmundsson is reportedly of interest to Chelsea.
A flurry of new faces arrived at Elland Road last summer and arguably none proved as effective as Gudmundsson.
The 27-year-old slotted in seamlessly in West Yorkshire, impressing as a left-back and a left wing-back over the course of the 2025/26 campaign.
He is now on World Cup duty with Sweden and has appeared in each of the two group games they have played so far.
Leeds United's Gabriel Gudmundsson is reportedly of interest to Chelsea.placeholder image
Leeds United's Gabriel Gudmundsson is reportedly of interest to Chelsea. | Adam Davy/PA Wire
Leeds United star linked with Chelsea
According to Swedish outlet Expressen, Gudmundsson’s exploits in LS11 have placed him on the radar of Chelsea.
The Blues, who finished 10th in the Premier League table last season, recently lost left-back Marc Cucurella to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Gudmundsson is said to be among several players under consideration as a potential replacement with the London club plotting their summer transfer business.
Chelsea have already struck a deal to sign Denner from Corinthians, but may be reluctant to throw the 18-year-old in at the deep end.
Leeds have Gudmundsson under contract until 2029 and it would take a fee considerably larger than the £10m they paid for him for a sale to be considered.
Gabriel Gudmundsson is currently competing at the World Cup with Sweden.placeholder image
Gabriel Gudmundsson is currently competing at the World Cup with Sweden. | Lars Baron/Getty Images
Gabriel Gudmundsson’s 2025 move to Leeds United
He said: “I've always believed in this opportunity and that's probably why I chose Leeds too. They were very keen to get me in and I felt that there was a good opportunity to get a lot of playing time. In the beginning, of course, it's always a competitive situation.
“But precisely because they were so keen to get me in, it felt like there was a good opportunity to get a lot of playing time in the beginning and then it's flowed very well. Then it's always like that, I think the more you play, the better you get.”
Gudmundsson made 35 appearances for Leeds last term, helping the Whites stay afloat in the Premier League.
Gabriel Gudmundsson has made 35 appearances at club level since his move from Lille to Leeds United.placeholder image
Gabriel Gudmundsson has made 35 appearances at club level since his move from Lille to Leeds United. | George Wood/Getty Images
Gabriel Gudmundsson ‘poach’ warning
He said: “It's difficult to place him [among the best left-backs] in the Premier League because he’s a wing-back. I think he's suited to that role more so than anything, but I do think there will be clubs looking at him in the Premier League thinking ‘yeah’. He'd certainly be one that teams would look to poach.
“I really like him. I think the interesting thing is that he was brought in as a left-back but he's predominantly played left-wing back because of the change of system, and I think that suited him because I think he's more of an attack-minded player, an attack-minded full-back.
“I think predominantly, now, what we're seeing is more attack-minded full-backs, ones who don't really like defending.
“He can actually defend - he's good at the back post, he's good in one-v-one situations, but I think his biggest threat is his runs going forward and his delivery into the box.”