Leeds United want more forward players this summer, albeit they are having difficulty securing them with such competition for their targets.
The 49ers and co. have come up short in the Igor Paixao hunt and there are other targets who have gone elsewhere, leaving Leeds United to look at other targets further down their transfer shortlist.
Earlier in the month, it was reported that Leeds still want to sign three new attackers. Daniel Farke wants a new striker, a new winger, and a new number 10 to bolster his ranks for a 38-game Premier League campaign.
One option that has emerged via recent reports is that of Leeds’ interest in Nico Gonzalez of Juventus. The winger has fallen out of favour in Turin despite just one season with the club and Juventus want £26m to sell Gonzalez this summer.
Juventus forward Nico Gonzalez
Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images
Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid join Leeds in Nico Gonzalez race
Not only do Leeds have interest but it has also been reported that Gonzalez wants to leave Juventus this summer. If they secure him swiftly, Gonzalez could add more goals before facing Everton on Monday.
However, others state that Gonzalez could yet stay at Juventus, much to their frustration; but a move for Gonzalez or Noah Okafor could yet happen for Leeds, with transfer news unfurling each day.
Now, it’s reported that European giants Atletico Madrid have joined the race for Gonzalez. Diego Simeone’s side are advancing in talks for the player after just one year with the Old Lady.
🚨🔴⚪️ EXCLUSIVE: Atlético Madrid open talks to sign Nico González from Juventus.
Discussions started over potential deal and it could be a permanent move, initial talks ongoing.
🔀 It could unlock new winger for Juve if Nico deal happens.
🎥🇮🇹 https://t.co/1RpTsqf2w3 pic.twitter.com/0HYscnsBaN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 14, 2025
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Fabrizio Romano states that they have opened talks to sign Gonzalez from Juventus. Discussions started over potential deal and it could be a permanent move, with initial talks now ongoing.
A deal could unlock a new winger for Juve if Gonzalez’s exit is sealed. He can be utilised across the forward line but Gonzalez, ordinarily, is a left-footed player who operates as a right-sided winger.
Juventus' Nico Gonzalez celebrates
Photo by Daniele Badolato – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images
What attributes Leeds’ forward line needs amid Nico Gonzalez interest
In fairness, Gonzalez may not be what Leeds need. He has output and some pace, but Leeds need more than that to finish off their attack this summer.
A creative player or two, particularly a crosser and set-piece taker, is absolutely required to unlock the added height in this Leeds side. There are a number of midfielders, central defenders, and strikers who would thrive off balls into the box.
Leeds will want a winger with enough speed to be an attacking differential, but they also need players who can unlock doors more incisively with quick decision-making.
Gonzalez ticks a number of boxes, but they would lack some of the required attributes which another winger/striker/attacking midfielder then needs to bring to the table. Fitting the pieces of the puzzle together means covering for each other’s weaknesses.