---
title: "Leeds: Paddy Kenny expects new centre-forward to arrive"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-transfers-paddy-kenny-gnonto-striker/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Leeds United News"
published: "2022-08-23T18:21:45Z"
modified: "2022-08-23T18:21:45Z"
---

# Leeds: Paddy Kenny expects new centre-forward to arrive

**Former [Leeds United](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-news/) goalkeeper Paddy Kenny believes that the club will bring in a new centre-forward before the September 1 deadline, as per [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/expert-leeds-united-to-complete-striker-signing-soon-after-sources-willy-gnonto-update/).**

### The Lowdown: Gnonto terms agreed

Rumours regarding a move for FC Zurich forward Wilfried Gnonto, who Italy coach Roberto Mancini called [‘fast’](https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/italia-mancini-mi-aspetto-una-gara-di-cuore-e-grinta-gnonto-giocatore-tecnico-e-veloce-1692146), have been gathering pace over the last seven days.

One report over the weekend claimed that Leeds were ‘very close’ to a deal, and [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-leeds-united-agree-personal-terms-with-willy-gnonto/) revealed prior to the 3-0 win over Chelsea that personal terms have now been agreed with the 18-year-old.

### The Latest: Kenny’s comments

[Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/expert-leeds-united-to-complete-striker-signing-soon-after-sources-willy-gnonto-update/) shared a story on Monday afternoon, once again citing the news on Gnonto.

They spoke to Kenny about the need for a new centre-forward at Elland Road with the former Whites goalkeeper admitting he was ‘surprised’ that one hasn’t been brought in yet, but he thinks one ‘will arrive soon’.

[![Latest Leeds United news](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg)](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-50/)

The 44-year-old said:

> “I am a bit surprised Leeds haven’t signed a striker yet.
>
> “It has been the big thing they have needed for quite a while now. You just can’t rely on Bamford’s fitness which is such a shame.
>
> “So they need a player in. Do they need someone younger? I’m not sure. Gelhardt is there and Rodrigo looks like he is playing more advanced but you wouldn’t call him an out-and-out striker.
>
> “I’m certain a striker will arrive soon, the club need one and must be looking for one.”

### The Verdict: Needed

Signs have been good for Leeds in the final third so far this season, with seven goals in three games. Rodrigo has scored [four](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/top-scorers) of those and is [leading](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/premier-league/top-scorers) the Premier League goalscoring charts, stepping up to the mark with goals in [all three matches](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/rodrigo/leistungsdaten/spieler/131505) thus far.

\[freshpress-poll id=”406337″\]

However, despite the Spaniard’s fine start to the campaign, signing a new striker could still be hugely beneficial for Jesse Marsch.

Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt have already had [injury scares](https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-boss-jesse-marsch-provides-update-on-patrick-bamfords-injury-and-reveals-why-joe-gelhardt-missed-southampton-draw-3804932) this term, and with Rodrigo also used in a [deeper role](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/rodrigo/leistungsdaten/spieler/131505), a new centre-forward like Gnonto could prove to be a handy acquisition.