Gabriel Gudmundsson had a fine debut season for Leeds United and it has reportedly attracted the attention of free-spending Chelsea
12:33, 24 Jun 2026
Gabriel Gudmundsson.
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Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Gabriel Gudmundsson.(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
Leeds United star Gabriel Gudmundsson is reportedly wanted by Chelsea. The Londoners are said to be targeting the Sweden international as they look to replace Marc Cucurella following his £47million move to Real Madrid.
The 27-year-old became Daniel Farke's fourth summer arrival last year and enjoyed a strong debut campaign in the Premier League as Leeds solidified their place for the forthcoming season. The German boss is set to have a battle on his hands to keep the defender, according to Swedish outlet Expressen.
Chelsea, who face Leeds in November at Stamford Bridge, are looking to strengthen their squad this summer with Xabi Alonso being appointed the club's new manager.
While reports suggest an agreement has been reached in principle for right-back Marco Palestra, Gudmundsson has been discussed as an alternative at left-back.
Gudmundsson is currently on international duty with Sweden at the World Cup and the full-back could put himself in the shop window with strong performances for Graham Potter's side.
The 27-year-old is expected to maintain his starting berth at full-back as they look to bounce back from Saturday's heavy 5-1 defeat to Group F rivals Holland.
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Sweden face a must-win game against Japan knowing that a draw will see them require a knockout place via the best third-placed route. Japan brushed aside Tunisia in their second group game after twice fighting back to earn a draw against Holland on June 14.
Gudmundsson signed for £10m from French side Lille last July, penning a four-year deal. From a Leeds perspective, if they were to sell, they would hold the cards with the Swede having three years remaining on his deal.
Change could be afoot at Chelsea under new boss Alonso with reports suggesting that full-back Malo Gusto is weighing up his options over a move.
However Chelsea reportedly view the French full-back as a £75m defender. A departure for him could open the door for a pursuit to sign Gudmundsson.
The Leeds defender witnessed the turnaround in fortunes that catapulted his side from relegation-threatened to finishing clear of the relegation zone with games to spare.
He said previously: "We've got a lot of confidence in that, especially with the games we've had directly with Chelsea and Liverpool.
"This is a really good group we have, we always stay together, no matter what."
After signing for Leeds, Gudmundsson admitted it was a dream come true. The 27-year-old said: “It feels very good. It's been a dream for me to come to the Premier League and to sign for Leeds to be a part of that, it feels amazing.
“I think I was growing up watching the Premier League and obviously my father played there as well, so it's a bit of a connection there already.
“It's an amazing league and it's a big competitive league, strongest league in the world I think, in my opinion.
“My friends and family told me that the fan base is huge [at Leeds United] and obviously I know that and also the stadium here is unbelievable as well with the fans shouting.
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“I'm up for all the challenges and really looking forward to playing here in front of all the fans and with teammates and get to know everyone.
“I want to help the team with my qualities. That's what I think I came here to do, so with the experience I gained the last years, I hope to help the team with that.”