Leeds United’s move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Arnaud Kalimuendo could be ‘a goer’, according to Beren Cross.
The Lowdown: Kalimuendo rumours
The Independent reported last week that the Whites had made an offer for Kalimuendo in the region of €20m (£17.1m).
PSG would like to insert a buy-back clause in any exit for the forward this summer, and reports in Italy have actually suggested that rumoured opening offer may even be enough to meet the Parisians' price tag.
Kalimuendo has been labelled as a player with ‘a beautiful palette’ and enjoyed a successful loan spell with Lens last season, scoring 12 goals in 34 Ligue 1 games.
The Latest: Cross shares update
Cross replied to a Whites fan in a LeedsLive Q&A on Monday afternoon regarding a possible move for Kalimuendo.
The journalist said that Leeds do ‘like’ the forward but admitted that rumours of an offer may well be ‘wide of the mark’. Cross did add that a transfer ‘could well emerge as a goer’, though.
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“Kalimuendo is one Leeds are understood to like, but talk of a formal bid may be wide of the mark. He's a striker on a lot of clubs' shortlists, we are told. He's not the number one target, but one that could well emerge as a goer.”
The Verdict: One to watch…
A striker appears to be next on the agenda at Elland Road, although Cross has claimed that Leeds could now ‘pause to assess their next step’ after securing three transfers relatively quickly.
It is vital that Victor Orta and Co get an attacking addition spot on to rival the likes of Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt ahead of Jesse Marsch's first full season, especially following Bamford's injury struggles and just four sides scoring fewer goals than Leeds last season.
Kalimuendo is seemingly on the list despite a deal not being as advanced as many believe, and he could be a smart addition. Yes, he doesn’t have Premier League experience, however, he appears to be a future star with 21 senior club goals to his name, and would also be able to play on the left or in a deeper role if required.
In other news: Orta now working on signing 31-goal striker for free; famous Leeds fan may help Elland Road move.