Newcastle United target Arnaud Kalimuendo has reportedly rejected a move to Nottingham Forest.
That’s according to Foot Mercato, who claim the young striker has turned down the chance to join the Premier League newbies.
Kalimuendo was linked with a move to Newcastle in April, and FM state that the Magpies are still interested. Leicester are also mentioned as a possible destination for the 20-year-old.
However, his immediate ambitions don’t appear to lie in the Premier League – especially not at the City Ground.
Kalimuendo eyes PSG stay
FM report that Kalimuendo would like to remain at Paris Saint-Germain next season despite interest from England.
He made four first-team appearances for PSG as a teenager, but has spent the past two seasons on loan with Lens.
Kalimuendo has had an excellent season in Ligue 1, scoring 12 league goals as well as one in the cup. He also bagged eight goals in all competitions the season prior.
His numbers are impressive for a man so young. Interestingly, he outscored Hugo Ekitike last season, who seems likely to join Newcastle soon. However, Kalimuendo did make 11 more Ligue 1 appearances than the Toon bound teenager.
The forward has two years left on his current contract, and wants to spend next season fighting for a chance to feature alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe.
It would be a bold move by Kalimuendo, who will soon have a new manager at the Parc des Princes. Mauricio Pochettino is set to be sacked by PSG.
An alternative for Ekitike if he doesn’t join Newcastle
Unless Newcastle’s bid to sign Ekitike collapses, a move for Kalimuendo feels unlikely.
It would perhaps be unwise for Newcastle to sign two young players who want to play in the same position. It would only make sense if Eddie Howe intends to keep Ekitike as a wide option.
The Magpies have been chasing Ekitike for a long time, but are still unable to complete a deal. That will leave some supporters worried, but Kalimuendo is a good backup option if Newcastle fail to sign the Reims star.
That feels like the only way Newcastle will move for Kalimuendo. And then they’ll have to convince him to leave PSG.
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