Leeds United midfielder Archie Gray could be on the move this summer, with interest ramping up in the midfielder across the Premier League, and sources have told Football League World that it is Brentford who are in the best position to strike a deal for the talented teenager.
The 18-year-old's breakout campaign with his boyhood club was extremely impressive and that has naturally stirred up interest across Europe. Leeds' teenage sensation took home the division’s Apprentice of the Season award after a stunning campaign at Elland Road, whilst also winning the prestigious Championship Young Player of the Season award.
But a 1-0 loss to Southampton in the play-off final has led to speculation over the futures of multiple key Leeds players this summer, including the likes of Gray, Willy Gnonto, and Crysencio Summerville.
It has since been claimed in a recent report from TEAMTalk that a three-way race for Gray's signature is composed of Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund, but the interest does not stop there.
The Telegraph report that Chelsea are the latest club interested in securing the teenager's services following the recent appointment of Enzo Maresca, who will be familiar with Gray after his promotion exploits with Leicester City last term.
The report adds that Leeds are demanding a fee well above £30 million amid domestic and continental interest and Chelsea, despite already possessing an array of midfield options, whilst Keith Wyness has claimed that Leeds young star is worth closer to the £45 million - £50 million mark.
Spanish clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid are also believed to have watched the player closely in the last year, along with English teams and German outfits. Bundesliga side RB Leipzig are in the mix to recruit Gray, according to HITC. However, it has also been stated that Gray is reportedly considering a summer switch to European giants Borussia Dortmund, according to Bild.
It is understood that Gray is now considering a switch to the Bundesliga side this summer, as he weighs up the next step in his career. Gray's family know it would be "folly" to reject potential talks with Borussia Dortmund if they made a concrete move, according to TEAMtalk.
Not only are Dortmund interested, but Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are also in the mix for him.
The latest on Archie Gray's Leeds United future
Following the defeat to Southampton, the Daily Mail reported that the Whites may have to generate £100 million in player sales following their failure to secure promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Simon Jones, also of the Mail, is reporting the latest on Gray's future, reiterating Leeds' requirement to raise funds for PSR purposes.
He believes that Premier League rivals Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham are set to battle it out in the race to sign Gray, whilst Alasdair Gold of Football London is reporting that Spurs and and Leeds are "casting an eye over a number of each others' players this summer" with potential moves in mind, including the likes of Joe Rodon and Oliver Skipp as a part of a potential swap deal including Gray.
Despite the vast interest in his services, it doesn't seem as though Gray will try and force an exit, with TEAMtalk reporting earlier this week that the player's family and agent are happy for the 18-year-old to remain at Elland Road at this stage.
Gray has been raised in a family rich in footballing heritage, and indeed intertwined in Leeds' history as well. His dad Andy played for Leeds and a string of top clubs, while his great uncle Eddie and grandad Frank are both Leeds legends.
Football League World sources have been informed that Gray is open to staying at Leeds this summer, with his family also keen for him to remain in West Yorkshire to further his development. However, if Gray were to leave, it has been confirmed to us that his priority is with a club that will offer him regular game time and a clear pathway into the first-team.
It has also been revealed to Football League World that Brentford are another top-flight side definitely keen on the 18-year-old midfield starlet, and the Bees are currently leading the way as they are able to offer Gray the footballing opportunities he requires, with their confidence growing over striking a deal with the Whites and agreeing terms with Gray.
Leeds would like to retain their academy graduate and boyhood fan, but are feeling the aforementioned financial pressure, meaning his departure more likely than unlikely from Elland Road, as things stand.
His versatility and maturity has been extremely impressive for his age, and he continues to rapidly develop. Naturally, for such a talented youngster, the pace at which Gray is improving has caught the eye of many of Europe's elite, as well as the England setup with Gareth Southgate.
The 18-year-old made 52 appearances across the 2023-24 campaign across both central midfield and right-back and contributed with two assists as Leeds finished third. Leeds were able to fend off any January interest and tie the central midfielder turned right-back to a long-term contract but his career with Leeds could come to an end this summer as Leeds look to build a team capable of a promotion push once more.
Archie Gray's transfer stance
Leeds can't stand in the way of a player with huge potential, especially as their financial situation dictates the need for sales this summer.
He's already a key player at such a young age but has taken so much responsibility in his stride, across two positions no less, already. It's no surprise at all that plenty of clubs in top-flight leagues across Europe are interested after Leeds' play-off final defeat.
Gray's development is the most crucial thing, and he himself will know that the first-team opportunities are there at Elland Road, where they may not be so easy to find elsewhere. However, a side like Brentford are clearly able to offer him more game time than some of the Premier League's elite.