Leeds United’s hunt for a new striker is gathering pace ahead of the new Premier League season, with reports suggesting that the club could move for a target of former head coach Jesse Marsch.
Joel Piroe continued his impressive form with another goal in Leeds’ pre-season campaign, as they registered a 1-1 draw with Villarreal at Elland Road.
With just one friendly against AC Milan remaining before the new season, Daniel Farke will be keen to see a new striker arrive at the club soon, after Leeds missed out on a deal for winger Igor Paixao.
Leeds have been persistently linked with Rodrigo Muniz; however, they face competition for his signature from Newcastle United, who look set to lose Aleksandr Isak.
Now, according to a report in France, Leeds are considering a move for Stade Rennais striker Arnaud Kalimuendo, who was the subject of a £17 million bid from Leeds under former head coach Jesse Marsch.
Photo by DAMIEN MEYER/AFP via Getty ImagesLeeds United face competition in race to sign Arnaud Kalimuendo
Leeds missed out on the signing of Kalimuendo under Jesse Marsch, as the former PSG man elected to move to Brittany to join Stade Rennais.
However, according to Sport.FR, Kalimuendo will leave Rennes this summer and is likely to secure a move to the Premier League for a fee of around £27 million (30 million euros). Leeds are one of three clubs monitoring the striker.
The report states: “Following AC Milan’s interest, several English clubs have also considered his name. Leeds United and Nottingham Forest are keen on his profile, but Brentford appear to be on the offensive.”
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Before continuing: “The Breton club hopes to recoup around €30 million from the deal. Having scored 18 goals and provided four assists in 34 matches last season, Kalimuendo could find a new home in the Premier League.”
Photo by Sylvain Dionisio ATPImages/Getty ImagesWhere would Kalimuendo rate in Leeds’ most record transfer fees?
Leeds have had some success bringing former Rennes players to the club in recent years, with both Raphinha and Georgino Rutter spending time at the club before moving to Elland Road.
With Les Rouges et Noirs set to demand a £27 million fee for the striker, Leeds would need to be willing to make one of the biggest transfer outlays in their history to secure his signature.
According to Transfermarkt, Rutter is Leeds’ record signing, when Marsch paid just over 40 million euros, or around £35 million, to sign the forward from Hoffenheim.
Brenden Aaronson is second on the list, having cost 32.84 million euros, or £29 million. Kalimuendo would join Rodrigo Moreno in joint-third on the list, should Leeds elect to pull the trigger on his signing.