Newcastle United and Leicester City remain keen on PSG loanee Arnaud Kalimuendo who continues to impress at RC Lens on loan.
According to Foot Mercato, Premier League side Newcastle United will be keen to beat off interest from domestic rivals Leicester City in their pursuit of Ligue 1 starlet Arnaud Kalimuendo.
The 20-year-old came through the ranks at Paris Saint-Germain, making four first-team appearances for the French giants. He has spent the last two seasons on loan at RC Lens and has caught the eye with a string of fine performances.
Kalimuendo has so far made 61 appearances for the French side, scoring 19 goals and assisting six more. He etched himself in the Lens’ history books by scoring in each of his first three Ligue 1 starts, the first player in over 70 years to achieve the feat.
A forward, his strike rate is not the most eye-catching, but it hints at excellent potential that can be built upon in the years to come. Kalimuendo will return to the Parc des Princes at the end of the season when his loan deal expires.
Kalimuendo could be on the move again in the summer should Newcastle United have their way. The Magpies have done well since the turn of the year and have more or less guaranteed their spot in the top flight for another season.
Given their newfound riches, Newcastle could be set to splash the cash ahead of the 2022/23 campaign. The signing of Chris Wood has been a bust, and they must bring in a reliable goalscorer in the summer. While Kalimuendo is far from prolific, he could develop into one with the right guidance.
Newcastle do have some obstacles in their path as far as signing the 20-year-old is concerned. Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester City side could play spoilsport while PSG are also yet to decide on his future.
As things stand, Kalimuendo’s contract in the French capital runs until 2024. The player’s representatives are set to meet with club officials in the summer to decide their next course of action. Whether it will give Newcastle a ray of hope remains to be seen.