With three weeks left in the transfer window, Leeds United are yet to sign a striker who can lead the line for the Whites in the Premier League next season. They have been looking at several targets, but their pursuit of a few players has not gone according to plan.
Daniel Farke has been growing increasingly frustrated at the lack of signings in the attacking third this summer. The Leeds boss has made it clear that his squad cannot be considered ready for the Premier League and its challenges if they do not bring in the required quality forwards in the coming weeks.
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Leeds are determined to sign a new number 9, but they have left it too late in the window, and the club are scrambling for options as they look to deliver a top striker for the manager before the end of the summer.
The Whites have identified Rodrigo Muniz as their top striker target, but they have been making moves on other players while they wait for Fulham to soften their stance on their priority option.
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Rennes striker Arnaud Kalimuendo turns down Leeds United
Arnaud Kalimuendo scored 17 times in Ligue 1 last season and is already part of the France senior squad at the international level.
The forward has been linked with a move to Leeds, and the Whites were said to be considering taking him to Elland Road in the ongoing transfer window.
Leeds’ interest in him seems to be genuine, and it has been claimed that they even held talks with his representatives over a potential move.
However, according to French sports daily L’Equipe, the striker has turned down a move to Leeds this summer.
Kalimuendo heard the offer from Leeds, but the Frenchman is not keen on a move to Elland Road and has other offers on his table from the Premier League.
Brentford are leading the race to sign Kalimuendo, and are in talks with Rennes and his representatives over a potential move.
Newcastle are also interested in the French forward, but it seems the London club are ahead in the race to land the France international.
Leeds are out of the race and are considering other strikers on their shortlist.
Leeds need a striker, but may pay the price for delaying a move
The Whites focused on adding depth and quality to their defence and midfield early in the window, but moves for forwards in recent weeks have stalled.
Newcastle United are threatening to hijack Leeds’ interest in Bilal El Khannouss, and Fulham are yet to change their stance of not wanting to sell Muniz.
Kalimuendo would have been a top signing, but the Whites again delayed trying to sign him, and once Brentford and Newcastle got involved, the writing was on the wall.
Leeds have been insistent on not overpaying and remaining patient, but could now be forced to do exactly what they wanted to avoid earlier in the window.
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