A striker who is reported to have recently rejected Leeds United could line up against them in the Premier League after a rival team lodged a £25 million bid to sign him.
It feels like Leeds have been linked with every available striker in Europe ahead of their Premier League return as they look to give Daniel Farke the firepower he needs to keep them in the division.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to sign in the coming days, in a welcome addition to Leeds’ frontline, with Patrick Bamford expected to depart the club in this transfer window.
Whilst this is a good addition, Leeds could still move for another forward, with AC Milan’s Noah Okafor and Juventus’ Nico Gonzalez both linked with a move to Elland Road in the coming days.
However, one player who will not be joining the Whites is former Jesse Marsch target Arnaud Kalimuendo, who could face his former admirers next season.
Daniel Farke watches Leeds v Villarreal.
Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Former Leeds United target subject to Premier League offer
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Arnaud Kalimuendo could be set to leave Stade Rennais following an offer from Nottingham Forest.
Kalimuendo has been linked with Leeds on several occasions, most recently in the current transfer window, but he rejected the chance to move to West Yorkshire, according to French publication L’Equipe.
Now, in a post on the social media site X (formerly Twitter), Romano has stated that Forest have lodged a formal bid for the Rennes forward.
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His post states: “Nottingham Forest have sent formal €30m bid to sign Arnaud Kalimuendo from Rennes. Negotiations are underway with NFFC.”
Although Leeds know their fate in their hunt to sign the former PSG man, the news that he could face them in the Premier League is an unwelcome development.
Leeds need to strengthen other creative positions
Whilst Kalimuendo is undoubtedly a talented player, Leeds’ priorities have now changed following the expected deal to bring in Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Calvert-Lewin is expected to lead the line for the Whites in the Premier League next season and, as a result, Leeds need to guarantee that he receives high-quality service from the players around him.
Arnaud Kalimuendo warms up ahead of Toulouse FC v Stade Rennais FC 1901 - Ligue 1 McDonald's
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Kalimuendo also does not fit the profile of Leeds’ recruitment this summer, having brought in a selection of physically imposing players such as Anton Stach, Jaka Bijol and Sean Longstaff.
Leeds need a target man and, at 1.75 metres tall (five feet and nine inches), Kalimuendo would not give Farke the presence he needs in attack.