French newspaper L’Equipe report that Europa League side Rennes have agreed a £21million move to sign Leeds target Arnaud Kalimuendo. It comes after weeks of links with the Yorkshire club, who are in the market for a new striker.
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani told The Athletic recently that Leeds are in the market for an “offensive” player, and a left-back. PSG striker Kalimuendo was next on the list, after Leeds missed out on Charles De Ketelaere to AC Milan.
The Whites want another striker with Patrick Bamford back, but of course, concerns regarding his long-term fitness. Joe Gelhardt is a super talent but at that, still only a rookie and can hardly be relied upon to score the goals throughout.
So, Kalimuendo – who has netted 21 goals on loan at Lens over the last two seasons – was a target. But now, it appears Leeds are about to miss out. That is because Rennes have agreed a £21million fee plus bonuses for the PSG talent.
In the last few hours, an agreement has almost been completed, according to L’Equipe. It sees Leeds and Nice miss out on the France Under-21 international, with PSG also arranging a future resale fee between the two clubs.
Rennes have agreed move to sign Leeds target Kalimuendo
A blow for Leeds. Kalimuendo looked as if he would be the man to solve the lack of depth up front at Elland Road. But ultimately, there were also doubts. Signing a player at a similar stage in his career to Gelhardt would be an issue.
It would stunt Gelhardt’s growth. A player the Elland Road faithful have already fallen in love with. But it leaves Leeds back at square one. Who do they go for now? Or do they rely on Bamford, Gelhardt and possible Rodrigo as strikers?
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