Nantes president Waldemar Kita has cast doubts on the talents of reported Southampton and Crystal Palace target Randal Kolo Muani, telling L’Equipe the striker’s end product needs some serious work.
On paper at least, a tally of nine goals and ten assists feels more than respectable, especially when you consider Nantes only retained their Ligue 1 status after beating Toulouse in the relegation play-offs.
Muani, the brightest spark in a miserable season for the Canaries, looks destined to depart during the summer transfer window after turning down the chance to extend a contract that expires in 2022 (RMC).
Southampton and Crystal Palace eye Muani
Premier League trio Southampton, Watford and Crystal Palace are all reported to be interested in Muani, with Nantes expected to demand a fee in the region of £9 million.
But, according to the club’s controversy-courting president, Muani hasn’t done anywhere near enough yet to be described as a “good centre-forward”.
“Kolo Muani has scored nine goals in 37 games,” said Kita, never afraid to speak his mind.
“Since you are much more interested in football than I am, you should know a good centre-forward must score at least 15 goals, if not more.”
Nantes striker has been compared to Kylian Mbappe
Muani, a former France U21 international, has been compared in some quarters to Kylian Mbappe – and not just because he was born in the same Parisian suburb as the PSG superstar.
Like Mbappe, Muani is blessed with searing pace and an ability to play anywhere across the front line.
More goals are certainly required, however, if the 22-year-old wants to prove Kita wrong and thrive in the tough atmosphere of England’s top flight.
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