Villarreal and Brentford Target Rennes Striker Arnaud Kalimuendo

Villarreal and Brentford are both trying to sign Arnaud Kalimuendo from Rennes this summer. Both clubs have already talked to Rennes about a possible transfer for their French striker.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Arnaud Kalimuendo, 23, is getting a lot of attention in the transfer market. Both Villarreal and Brentford are interested in signing him. They have already spoken to Rennes to find out how they can sign him. Kalimuendo, who is under contract with Rennes until June 2027, is reportedly open to a new challenge after a mixed season in Ligue 1. Rennes could ask for a fee of around €22 million. They are willing to let the player leave this summer, especially after Premier League clubs showed interest in him recently.

KALIMUENDO’S SEASON AND TEAM CONTEXT

Kalimuendo joined Rennes from Paris Saint-Germain in 2022. Since then, he has made over 100 appearances for the club, scoring 40 goals and providing 14 assists. In the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season, Rennes finished 12th in the table, missing out on European competition next campaign by 16 points. Kalimuendo had ups and downs during the season, scoring 11 goals and providing 4 assists in the league. He was, however, struggling occasionally. Villarreal finished fifth in La Liga, securing a Europa League place, while Brentford finished the Premier League season in 13th place, ensuring another year of top-flight football.

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT?

With the transfer window open until September 1, Villarreal and Brentford are likely to make a quick move if they want to sign Kalimuendo. While Villarreal are looking for more firepower to challenge for higher league positions and perform well in Europe, Brentford see Kalimuendo as the answer to their recent attacking problem before the new Premier League season. Rennes’ first league fixture is set against Marseille, while Villarreal will begin their La Liga campaign against newly-promoted Oviedo. Brentford, meanwhile, is ready to face Nottingham Forest as they begin the season.