Inter Milan’s interest in Paris Saint-Germain forward Arnaud Kalimuendo may feel like a dagger through the hearts of Leeds United’s hopes. But things aren’t quite as straightforward as they seem.
It’s not simply a case of assuming that, because Inter can offer Champions League football and the possibility of silverware, Leeds’ chances of luring the free-scoring frontman to Elland Road have gone up in a plume of foul-smelling smoke.
There are other factors at play here, as the battle for PSG’s £20 million-rated France U21 international hots up (Tuttomercatoweb).
Of course, much will depend on what Kalimuendo values more; Regular first-team football, or sporadic first-team football at a club with the capacity of fighting for titles.
Leeds United or Inter Milan for Arnaud Kalimuendo?
Leeds submitted an initial offer of £18 million for the former Lens loanee earlier this month, as reported by The Independent. PSG may sell for £20 million. If Kalimuendo swaps Paris for West Yorkshire, his main competition will be a centre-forward (Patrick Bamford) who started just seven Premier League games last season due to a series of niggling injury problems.
At Inter Milan, however, Kalimuendo would have more than just Lautaro Martinez for competition. Romelu Lukaku is returning to the San Siro with his tail between his legs and a point to prove following that ill-fated second spell at Chelsea. A Lukaku with a point to prove is a fearsome proposition indeed.
And that’s without mentioning Edin Dzeko or Joaquin Correa, the spring-heeled Argentine forward determined to make up for lost time after an injury-hit 2021/22.
Don’t forget Alexis Sanchez either.
Kalimuendo, at Leeds, would be first or second choice. At Inter, he’d be third or fourth at best. Hardly an ideal situation for a 20-year-old who still needs to hone his craft. What’s more, in Jesse Marsch, Leeds have a coach who boasts a proven track record when it comes to developing exciting young talent.
Problems facing Inter Milan
Furthermore, Leeds should have £100 million to play with following the expected departures of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha. Inter boss Simone Inzaghi can only dream of a warchest containing such fearsome artillery.
According to ESPN, the 2021 Serie A champions have just £25 million to spend, and that’s without factoring in Lukaku’s loan fee or his sizeable wages. Inter, a side who have spent the best part of a year teetering on the edge of a financial cliff, may be forced to sell before they can buy anyone else.
On paper, the Italian giants certainly feel like daunting opposition as far as Leeds are concerned. In reality, however, their bite is a lot less dangerous than their bark.
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