Nottingham Forest sign Rennes striker Arnaud Kalimuendo in £25m deal

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Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of Arnaud Kalimuendo from Rennes for a fee of around £25m, with the French striker putting pen to paper on a five-year deal at the City Ground.

The 23-year-old becomes the club’s third major arrival in the past week, following Omari Hutchinson’s record £37.5m move from Ipswich and James McAtee’s £30m transfer from Manchester City.

From Paris to Nottingham

Kalimuendo came through the youth system at Paris Saint-Germain and made four senior appearances for the French giants before impressing during two loan spells at Lens.

He joined Rennes in August 2022 and went on to score 40 goals in 112 matches, including 18 strikes in Ligue 1 last season – form that attracted interest from across Europe.

RB Leipzig and Villarreal had both been monitoring Kalimuendo in recent weeks, while several Premier League clubs also tracked his situation, but Forest moved decisively to secure his signature.

A proud moment

Speaking after completing his move, Kalimuendo said he was eager to embrace the challenge of English football.

“When I heard about the interest from Forest, I was honoured. This is a proud moment for me, joining a team who had a strong season last year and a club with great history.

“I arrive here with good experience. I had a good season last year with goals and assists but I want more and want to reach a new level here. I can’t wait to play in the Premier League, and to play at the City Ground. I watched games from last season and it’s clear the fans create a beautiful atmosphere. I’m excited to see them and impatient to get started.”

Forest’s busy window

Kalimuendo’s arrival further underlines Forest’s intent to strengthen ahead of the new season.

The club are also in talks to sign Douglas Luiz from Juventus and have tied winger Callum Hudson-Odoi down to a new long-term deal.

So far this summer, Forest have added Dan Ndoye, Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha alongside Hutchinson, McAtee and now Kalimuendo – while Anthony Elanga departed to Newcastle in a £55m deal.

With Steve Cooper looking to build on last year’s top-half finish, the latest addition gives Forest another attacking option as they prepare for both domestic and European commitments.

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