(Football news) Arnaud Kalimuendo turned down the chance to join Leeds United and is set to sign for Rennes.The young PSG striker spent the last two seasons on loan at Lens where he scored 21 goals in 65 games for the northern french team. According to previous reports Leeds' had a long-standing interest, and the Whites were hopeful of sealing a €25m deal with the French champions but they couldn’t reach an agreement with the players.
Kalimuendo decided against a move to Elland Road and now will instead sign for Ligue 1 side Rennes. The 20-year-old was tempted by Leeds' offer but he was keen to remain in his home country and the Les Rouge et Noir offered him a five-year contract. Rennes also have the added benefit of Europa League football this season as they have strengthened this summer with Steve Mandanda, Arthur Theatre and Joe Rodon arriving at the French club. New PSG boss Christophe Galtier wanted to take a closer look at Kalimuendo this summer before deciding whether or not he could be allowed to leave, and now the Parisians have sanctioned an exit for the striker. Kalimuendo's path to an already talented starting frontline was further blocked this summer when PSG brought Hugo Ekitike after his move to Newcastle fell through.
In the past two seasons at Lens he went onto score 21 goals and 6 assists in 65 games. Kalimuendo never had the chance to train with PSG. According to the sources, the transfer amount of 25 million euros including bonuses will be the second biggest transfer from Stade Rennais behind Belgian international Jérémy Doku (26 million euros) in the summer of 2020. Rennes targeted the striker for a long time by Stade Rennais. He had already been approached last summer without the deal materialising as he had been among the club’s priorities as a striker for more than a year.
