Transfer Centre

Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea 'learn asking price for Championship star'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 23 April 2024

Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea reportedly learn Leeds United's asking price for winger Crysencio Summerville, named the Championship's Player of the Season.

Premier League giants Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea have reportedly learned what it will take to prise Crysencio Summerville away from Leeds United this summer.

The 22-year-old was recently bestowed with the Championship Player of the Season prize on account of having a direct hand in 28 goals in 41 second-tier appearances in 2023-24.

Summerville has conjured up 19 goals of his own in addition to nine assists, and he once again stole the spotlight during Monday's absorbing 4-3 triumph over Middlesbrough, scoring twice and setting up Wilfried Gnonto.

Leeds' thrilling win lifted them back into the top two of the Championship table at Ipswich Town's expense, although the Tractor Boys - who are one point behind - and leaders Leicester City, who are one point clear, each have a game in hand.

The Whites' automatic survival bid is therefore out of their own hands, and they would likely be fighting a losing battle to retain their prized assets if they fail to return to the big time via the playoffs either.

Leeds United's Crysencio Summerville pictured on October 20, 2022 © Reuters

Leeds to demand up to £40m for Summerville

Summerville already has Premier League experience under his belt, making 34 appearances in the competition across his first two seasons with the Whites, scoring four goals in the 2022-23 campaign.

Even if Leeds' promotion bid ends in failure, the former Feyenoord youngster is being tipped to return to the big time with one of three revered names in Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool this summer.

With Summerville having two years left to run on his contract, Football Insider claims that interested parties will have to stump up at least £30m and potentially up to £40m to sign him in the upcoming window.

Leeds are supposedly hoping to get Summerville to extend his contract between now and the end of the season, but the Whites will be resigned to his exit should they stay in the Championship.

Nevertheless, Farke's side will make a healthy profit on the €1.5m (£1.3m) they paid to sign the 22-year-old in 2020, since when he has registered 24 goals and 12 assists in 84 matches for the club.

Premier League trio in market for new wingers

Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah reacts on April 18, 2024 © Reuters

Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea's interest in Summerville comes as no surprise, as all three clubs could be in the market for new wide options to replace potential departures ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Neither Luis Diaz nor Mohamed Salah's futures at Anfield are set in stone, as the former is on Barcelona's radar, while the latter's deal expires next summer, and Liverpool are braced for more lucrative bids from the Saudi Pro League.

Meanwhile, Summerville's arrival at Arsenal could help ease the workload on Bukayo Saka, whose only natural replacement - Reiss Nelson - is likely to leave just one year after signing a new long-term contract.

Chelsea are well-stocked when it comes to wide options, but Cole Palmer is the only one to have proven his worth to Mauricio Pochettino this season, while the experienced Raheem Sterling has recently been demoted to a peripheral role.

The 29-year-old was even jeered by his own fans after an FA Cup horror show against Leicester and is also said to be on Saudi Arabia's radar, but he reportedly has no intention of quitting the Blues just yet.