“He’d be absolutely amazing” – Journalist reacts as Newcastle eye £17m Ekitike alternative

Newcastle United target Arnaud Kalimuendo would be ‘absolutely amazing’ for the club should he sign, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

The 20-year-old will reportedly be allowed to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer following an impressive loan spell at RC Lens throughout 2021/22.

French outlet Media Foot have reported that Newcastle have tabled a €20 million (£17m) offer for Kalimuendo with €5m (£4.2m) of that fee coming in potential add-ons.

It’s claimed that new PSG sporting director Luis Campos has placed the striker on the transfer list, alongside several other fringe stars, as he attempts to revamp the first-team squad.

However, Newcastle could face fierce competition for Kalimuendo’s signature, with The Athletic’s Phil Hay claiming he is also on Leeds United’s wish list.

Eddie Howe’s charges should have the upper hand financially over their Premier League rivals, though, thanks to their mega-rich Saudi owners.

And improving Howe’s attacking options is believed to be Newcastle’s next priority after ending their pursuit of Stade Reims forward Hugo Ekitike and becoming frustrated in negotiations for Alexander Isak and Moussa Diaby.

Talbot has informed GiveMeSport that Kalimuendo is one of many stars who are free to depart the Parc des Princes, opening the door to a potential switch to St. James’ Park.

He told GMS: “He’d be absolutely amazing. I think Luis Campos has put together a list of around 15 players, with (Presnel) Kimpembe being one, who are able to leave and just really look to do a bit of a transformation and have a bit of an identity.

“I think that’s the idea, so all these players who are very talented but just don’t fit in with what he perceives to be the identity and the core principles of PSG