Gabriel Gudmundsson admits it is “nice” to hear speculation that Chelsea hold transfer interest in him, though says he is settled at Leeds United.
Gudmundsson enjoyed an excellent first season at Elland Road, where he became an important cog of Daniel Farke’s survival team and went on to start all four of Sweden’s World Cup matches.
Chelsea are hunting for a new left-back following the sale of Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid, with new £47m signing Marco Palestra a right-back by trade. Gudmundsson is thought to be seen as an alternative market option by Chelsea.
However, barring an irresistibly high bid, Leeds are unlikely to allow approaches for the 27-year-old. Gudmundsson played down talk about Chelsea last month and has now underlined that he is content at Leeds.
Asked about the rumours coming out of Stamford Bridge, the defender told native outlet Hallandsposten: “I haven’t had a focus on it because there has been so much with Leeds, the World Cup and then I have become a father now so I have really zoned out from that part of football.
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“But it’s nice that they see me as an alternative and it’s a sign that something good has been done, then we’ll see what happens but I’m happy where I am.”
Gudmundsson played 32 Premier League games in his maiden season, only missing out on six games due to injury and suspension. The full-back’s on-field demeanour has endeared him to match-goers while his off-field attitude has impressed insiders.
Leeds are meanwhile expected to hunt for a back-up left-back, to be Gudmundsson’s understudy, this summer. The club do not have a senior left-footed alternative to the Swede. Cover James Justin is a natural right-back and academy prospect Jayden Lienou yet to earn his senior debut.
Jack Harrison, who is left-footed, was played at left-back at times last season but notably struggled in the role and is expected to leave this transfer window, despite loan club Fiorentina deciding against triggering his £6m buy-out clause.
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