The season is fast approaching and Everton have yet to make any major signings this summer. The club’s biggest move was selling Richarlison for around £60 million and it’s time they found an adequate replacement for the Brazilian star. The latest target for Lampard’s forward group is Arnaud Kalimuendo, a young Frenchman who was phenomenal last season
Kalimuendo, a 20-year old forward, is currently on the books of PSG. Kalimuendo was loaned to the French club, RC Lens, for more than a year and played tremendous football during that span. He has played most of his career in the youth program until recently where Kalimuendo has begun to make a name for himself in League 1.
Kalimuendo played in 32 matches last season and contributed to one of the best scoring sides in all of France. Only five clubs scored more goals than Lens last season and Kalimuendo was directly responsible for smashing 12 past the keeper. This number puts the 20-year old as the 10th best scorer in the Ligue 1 with notable players such as Neymar and Dimitri Payet in his company.
PSG will not be able to use Kalimuendo in their lineup with Mbappe stealing all the minutes so a transfer is inevitable. A move to the Premier League appears likely with Leeds United as the top contenders and Everton closely following. Leeds are experiencing a hiccup in their negotiation with PSG according to 90min, so this leaves an opportunity for the Toffees to be aggressive.
Everton must take their chances with Arnaud Kalimuendo
This signing is vital for the club because Kalimuendo has not reached his prime and he’s already a proven scorer. The Toffees were near the bottom of the league in goals scored so adding a weapon like Kalimuendo could help the club avoid another disappointing finish in the standings.
Richarlison was last season’s top goal scorer for Everton, netting 10 goals in the league. Replacing those goals won’t be easy and Dominic Calvert-Lewin needs some support in the attack. Kalimuendo, though unproven, has shown tremendous potential. Leeds were close to finalizing a £20 million deal for the Frenchman so the Merseysiders should be able to secure a deal in that region, should they be willing to sign him.
Apart from Everton, other Premier League sides Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Brighton have also contacted PSG regarding the 20 year old. Ligue 1 outfits Stade Rennais and OGC Nice are also keen on Kalimuendo. Time is running out for Everton to patch up their squad and the competition for young weapons is fierce.
Should Everton sign Arnaud Kalimuendo?