Spanish outlet Marca have reported that Leeds United are amongst a group of clubs eyeing Gerardo Arteaga, a Mexican international, who ‘has emerged as one of Europe’s revelations in his position’.
Artega celebrates with Hirving Lozano after a goal against Iceland / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The report suggests that Fulham, Brighton and Leeds are the best positioned clubs, with Premier League sides following the 23-year-old ‘closely. There may be competition from elsewhere in Europe, with La Liga sides Real Betis, Villarreal and Celta Vigo also having him ‘on the radar’ in case Álex Moreno, Estupiñán and Galán respectively leave them, among others.
Arteaga, a left-back, has been at Belgian side KRC Genk since 2020, after leaving Liga MX‘s Santos Laguna in his native México. A key member of the side, he played every game of their Europa League campaign last season, including a 2-2 draw against West Ham, and played 42 games across all competitions for the Blauw-Wit.
Gerardo Arteaga (left) heads the ball in front of United States and Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
He is highly rated in México, with many suggesting that he should be the starting left-back for the national team over Jesús Gallardo. He has 14 caps since 2018, with almost half of those coming this calendar year, suggesting that ‘El Tata‘ Martino is finally noticing his quality. El Tri have had a rough year, with many of their key players staying in Liga MX, with its high pay and impressive fanbases, which seems to have stagnated the progress of one of world football’s greats. Their supporters will therefore be happy to see one of their players linked with a move to the strongest league in the world. He would join Raúl Jiménez to become one of just two Mexicans in the league, potentially causing a whole new group of people to start following Leeds United, similar to how fans from the United States are becoming supporters of a side with Jesse Marsch, Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams.