Nottingham Forest Launch €30m Bid for Rennes Striker Arnaud Kalimuendo

Nottingham Forest have made a formal €30 million bid to sign Arnaud Kalimuendo from Stade Rennais, as the club looks to boost its attacking options before the new Premier League season begins.

FOREST MOVE FOR KALIMUENDO

The English side has officially entered negotiations with Rennes for the 23-year-old French striker. Kalimuendo is coming off his best season yet, having scored 11 goals and provided 4 assists during the 2024/25 campaign. Rennes had been clear that their asking price was around €30 million, matching the bid reportedly placed by Forest. Kalimuendo has also been attracting interest from other Premier League clubs, including Tottenham, Leeds United, and Brentford, but Forest have now put themselves at the front of the queue. As reported, Villarreal and Brentford are also trying to sign Kalimuendo from Rennes this summer.

Despite still being under contract at Rennes until 2027, the striker’s form has made him one of the most sought-after attacking talents in Europe this summer.

RENNES AND FOREST’S 2024/25 SEASONS

Stade Rennais finished the 2024/25 Ligue 1 campaign fighting for a European spot, but ended up in a disappointing 12th place. Kalimuendo’s performances were a big reason for their strong season. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, finished 7th in the Premier League last season, qualifying for the UEFA Conference League, but struggled with consistency in front of goal. Chriss Wood scored 20 goals in the Premier League, but besides him, the team is lacking in firepower.

Strengthening the attack is now a priority. Forest hope Kalimuendo can bring more firepower and help them climb the table.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Negotiations between Forest and Rennes are ongoing, and personal terms are yet to be agreed with Kalimuendo. Forest are set to kick off their Premier League campaign in three days, facing Brentford, who finished 10th last season, just two points above them. Both teams will be looking for a strong start to distance themselves from the relegation zone.

If the deal is completed, Kalimuendo will become a key figure in Forest’s push for a top half finish and could make his debut before the end of August.