By George Overhill

22nd Jul, 2022 | 1:10pm

Leeds United move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Arnaud Kalimuendo now considered likely

The chances of Leeds United signing Paris Saint-Germain striker Arnaud Kalimuendo look good with a move considered “likely”, Miguel Delaney reports.

The Whites have a €20million bid in for the young Frenchman, but his impressive performances during the preseason for the Ligue 1 champions had delayed matters.

PSG boss Christophe Galtier appears to want to keep the him, while influential director Luis Campos is more minded to move him on, but according to Delaney the deal is still on and the player is increasingly well-disposed towards it.

Writing in his weekly Reading the Game newsletter, the Independent journalist said: “Leeds United’s deal for Paris Saint Germain’s Arnaud Kalimuendo, which the Independent reported a few weeks ago, is still on.

“Those close to the situation consider it likely. A €20m bid remains under consideration, as the striker himself has been assessing his situation and seeking to ensure he makes the best decision for his future.

“That naturally involves seeing what else comes in, but Leeds look increasingly attractive.”

Result

It’s been a whirlwind summer in the transfer market, with most of the action a positive for the Whites, but progress on arrivals has slowed of late.

With the long-awaited departure of Raphinha finally completed there is much anticipation around who will be brought in to complete the squad before the end of the window.

United kept after their top attacking target, Charles De Ketelaere, for much longer than might have seemed worthwhile but appear to have finally accepted that won’t happen, so this news on Kalimuendo will be exactly what fans want to hear.

With the French giants possessing a front three of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar there are hardly going to be extensive opportunities to play.

They have since signed Hugo Ekitike and have still been chasing Gianluca Scamacca, so whatever the coach might be interested in doing with Kalimuendo after his strong preseason performances it doesn’t look like those in charge at the Parc des Princes share that vision.

With 21 goals in a season and a half on loan with Lens, and still only 20, Kalimuendo looks like a very sensible signing, and if the reported price is accurate should represent excellent value considering what De Ketelaere would have cost.

The priority now has to be getting it completed as soon as possible to give him a chance to link up with the squad and get some training in under Jesse Marsch.

In other Leeds United news, the club may have suffered a crushing blow in their latest preseason game after a potentially major injury.