Leeds United 'make bid for Paris Saint-Germain forward'

Leeds United have reportedly identified Paris Saint-Germain forward Arnaud Kalimuendo as a summer transfer target.

Having only narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League during the most recent campaign, the Yorkshire giants have responded by being proactive in the transfer market.

Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen have both arrived from Red Bull Salzburg, while Marc Roca is expected to follow from Bayern Munich.

Nevertheless, head coach Jesse Marsch is also keen to sign a new central forward after Leeds missed the presence of Patrick Bamford for much of last season.

According to The Independent, Leeds are hopeful of bringing in Kalimuendo in a deal worth in the region of €20m (£17.1m).

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The 20-year-old has spent the last two years on loan at Lens, playing a key role in their challenge for the European places during both campaigns.

In total, Kalimuendo has contributed 21 goals and six assists from his 65 appearances in all competitions, form which has not gone unnoticed at both home and abroad.

With Mauro Icardi allegedly on his way out of Parc des Princes, the France Under-21 international appeared to be the ideal deputy for the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.

However, it has been claimed that like with Icardi, Kalimuendo is available for the right price with new sporting director Luis Campos looking to make his mark.

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If the attacker was to make the switch to Elland Road, he would find himself in direct competition with Bamford, whose endured several injuries during 2021-22.

The 28-year-old played just 560 minutes of Premier League, contributing two goals and two assists from his restricted time on the pitch.

Marcelo Bielsa and Marsch were left to find alternatives options down the middle of the attack, mixing between Daniel James, Rodrigo Moreno and Joe Gelhardt.

Having been given the nod for the all-important Premier League fixture at Brentford on the final day of the season, Gelhardt is seemingly in line to compete with Bamford and any potential new arrival for a starting spot from August onwards.

Should Kalimuendo depart PSG in the summer, he would leave having made just three outings at his parent club.