Journalist Graeme Bailey has said that Leeds United could sign Arnaud Kalimuendo but it may have to be on loan.
According reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Paris Saint-Germain man is a target for the Whites this summer – especially with a deal for Charles De Ketelaere not looking likely as things stand.
While speaking about the rumours on the One Leeds Fan Channel, Bailey explained that Leeds are in with a good chance of signing the player as PSG sporting director Christophe Galtier would be happy to sell him.
However, he added that after Kalimuendo impressed in preseason, new manager Christophe Galtier may be more keen on a loan instead of a permanent transfer.
Bailey explained his full understanding of the situation, saying (11:11): “Agreeing the terms with PSG isn’t an issue, but he’s come back from preseason and performed very well. Christophe Galtier has come in and likes what he’s seen. He’s a very good player this kid.
“Luis Campos, the the sporting director, he was looking to move him on. There’s a lot of interest in this slide as well. Newcastle hovering, I think there are a few more as well.
“So yeah, it’s not off. It’s just purely stalled. I don’t see him starting the season with PSG. If PSG don’t want to sell it may turn into a loan at some point. I don’t think that’d be a horrible option for Leeds to be honest. I think it could end up being a sensible one.
“But yeah, he’s he’s a good player this one. He is the type of player you need to want to push [Patrick] Bamford to really come in. He is a step above the [Joe] Gelhardt’s of this world too – yeah, we like for his running – but this kid is a very good striker. You do need at least one more.”
Who would you prefer at Leeds?
Arnaud Kalimuendo
Joe Gelhardt
TIF thoughts on Arnaud Kalimuendo and Leeds…
It’s certainly a big shout from Bailey to claim that Kalimuendo is a step above Leeds option Gelhardt. Indeed, Jesse Marsch was recently urged to play the young striker in the upcoming Premier League season by respected journalist Phil Hay due to his blossoming quality.
However, the PSG forward certainly seems to be a top talent too. Still only just 20 years of age, Kalimuendo scored 21 senior goals and provided six assists with former club Lens (via Transfermarkt)
With that in mind, it’s not hard to see why Leeds want him. Though it would also explain why PSG might not be so keen on selling permanently. It will certainly be interesting to see if a loan deal does end up happening and how that could impact Gelhardt’s place in the team.