Fabrizio Romano confirms Archie Gray's move to Tottenham as Chelsea miss out.
Leeds United starlet Archie Gray is on his way to Tottenham Hotspur, as confirmed by Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano via X.
The 2006-born defender, capable of playing both centrally and as a fullback down the right, started the season gone by with the U18s before shooting through the ranks and becoming a key component of Daniel Farke’s senior Leeds side.
Leeds’ campaign fizzled out towards the end of the season as they missed out on promotion back to the Premier League on the first time of asking, but Gray’s stock had already risen too high for the Whites to be able to hold on to him any longer.
According to Romano, Spurs have agreed a deal for Gray in the region of £40 million with Leeds, who will also receive Welsh centre-back Joe Rodon in a separate £10m agreement.
Gray made 52 appearances for Leeds United in the 2023/24 season across all competitions, also providing two assists in 4,273 minutes of football. (Source: Transfermarkt)
Chelsea were interested in Gray, with their new coach Enzo Maresca having monitored the teenager closely during his time with Leicester City in the Championship last season, as had been Brentford, who had seemingly beaten Chelsea to his signature before Spurs came in with a last-minute move.
The Blues are looking for defensive reinforcements not just in the “future prospects” but also those who could immediately strengthen the first team. They have already roped in Tosin Adarabioyo, who has come in on a free after his contract with Fulham expired.
It’s very rare for Todd Boehly‘s Chelsea to be beaten by other clubs in what has been a rather generous ownership at Stamford Bridge thus far. They have clearly missed out on a big player in Archie Gray here, but there are other players out there we can expect them to go for.
Additionally, one cannot rule out a future move to Chelsea for the current 18-year-old. Should he continue to develop as expected, it will definitely not be cheap.
Jadon Sancho has hit the ground running in his season-long loan at Chelsea, with the Blues eyeing a permanent deal…
Chelsea appear to be rediscovering their form under Enzo Maresca, aiming for a top-four finish as they currently sit third…
In their bid to further bolster their defense, Chelsea are aiming to make a big move for the star right-back…
Christopher Nkunku is keen to leave Chelsea in January over lack of game time in the Premier League There has…
Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres is on the radar of Chelsea Chelsea are riding high in the Premier League, sitting…
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca eyeing defensive reinforcements in January Chelsea could well find themselves in the market to improve their…