Mounir Chouiar (L) in action against Montpellier (Getty Images)
As per L’Equipe (h/t Birmingham Live), Leeds United are interested in signing Dijon youngster Mounir Chouiar this summer.
The report suggests that the Frenchman could be allowed to leave the Ligue 1 outfit if anyone pays up to €20m for Chouiar. However, the Whites would face stiff competition to secure his services as Premier League rivals Wolves and Arsenal are also keen on the youngster.
Born in France, Chouiar started his journey with Avionnais before rising through the ranks of Lens’ youth system. He was excellent in his final season with Lens, racking up 3 goals and 1 assist in 25 Ligue 2 games and after making 47 appearances, he moved to Dijon last September.
He immediately became a regular member of the squad and impressed in his debut season with Dijon. The youngster racked up 6 goals and 1 assist in 24 games across all competitions and also started in the first two league games this season. He was one of the standout performers in Ligue 1 last season.
However, the report suggests that the Ligue 1 outfit have brought in a few wingers and Chouiar, who has two more years left on his contract, could be allowed to leave.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men were excellent in their first league game despite losing 4-3 to Liverpool. Wingers Jack Harrison and Helder Costa were in fine form for the Whites. However, apart from them, there aren’t any established wingers in the squad.
Ivan Poveda was signed from Manchester City but the youngster lacks the experience. Moreover, Leeds need to bring in wingers for the future. Harrison is on loan from Manchester City and could return to Etihad once his contract comes to an end next summer. And his departure could leave them with limited options in the wide areas.
In that regard, Chouiar would be a fantastic addition to the squad. The 21-year-old has been brilliant in the last couple of seasons and still has a lot of room for development. He is capable of operating from either flank and could be a useful player for the Whites in the future.
His inclusion would definitely add depth to the squad, whilst also bringing in healthy competition if he is able to develop under the guidance of Bielsa and replicate the same form he showed in the last two seasons.
With limited options in the attack for the long run, it is clear that Leeds are in need of wingers. And investing in the youth could also help them reap rewards in the future. Thus, they should manage to lure the French U21 international to Elland Road this summer and keep him for the future.
