Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier has confirmed Arnaud Kalimuendo’s move to Ligue 1 rivals Rennes as Leeds United miss out on one of their leading Premier League targets, speaking via Paris United.
With Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Neymar and new £30 million signing Hugo Ekitike already ahead of him in the pecking order – not to mention Mauro Icardi and the returning Spain international Pablo Sarabia – Kalimuendo was always going to find first-team opportunities hard to come by at PSG.
And Galtier, having replaced Mauricio Pochettino at Parc des Princes, is in no mood to stand in the way of a young player in need of regular minutes.
According to 90Min, Kalimuendo was tempted by Leeds’ offer. But the chance to lead the line at arguably the most free-flowing footballing side in France – Rennes have agreed a £21 million fee with PSG – was too good to turn down.
Rennes beat Leeds United to PSG striker Arnaud Kalimuendo
“I’m happy for him,” says Galtier. “Things were very clear from the start concerning Arnaud, who was coming off of a very good season with Lens.
“He aspires to a lot of playing time, like in Lens, and here it would be difficult.
“He prepared very well for the team, for the friendly matches, for the Trophee des Champions. But I knew from the start that it was clear that Arnaud was going to leave us.
“He will arrive ready (to play) at his next club, which will be Rennes, I believe. We wish him good luck and we will keep a very close eye on his performances.”
Kalimuendo, a natural-born, penalty-box poacher, scored 19 goals in 60 Ligue 1 games during two seasons on loan at high-flying RC Lens.
Leeds, meanwhile, are running out of time as they look to add another forward to Jesse Marsch’s squad. Links with Watford duo Ismaila Sarr and Joao Pedro have been played down by those ‘in the know’.
Charles de Ketelaere, meanwhile, chose Scudetto winners AC Milan instead.
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