Nottingham Forest Have £26m Offer Accepted for Rennes Striker With Contract Already Agreed

Arnaud Kalimuendo Set to Join Premier League Side as Forest Restructure Their Attack

It’s not every day that Nottingham Forest fans get to wake up to the news of a major attacking signing, but this summer is proving to be anything but ordinary. The club are on the verge of securing French striker Arnaud Kalimuendo from Rennes, after having a £26 million offer accepted — with personal terms already in the bag.

This isn’t a deal that’s crept up quietly. In fact, Forest’s interest in Kalimuendo has been an open secret for weeks. Now, with the Ligue 1 club finally giving the green light, it’s all about crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s before the 22-year-old puts pen to paper and makes the move to the City Ground.

What Happened?

According to L’Équipe, the transfer momentum really picked up after Forest secured personal terms with Kalimuendo earlier in the window. With that part of the negotiations sorted, all eyes turned to Rennes — a club understandably reluctant to lose their top scorer from last season.

But £26 million is hard to ignore. Especially when the player himself is ready for a new challenge and the Premier League is calling. Kalimuendo still had three years left on his Rennes deal, running until 2027, but this was clearly the right time for all parties to shake hands.

The Bigger Picture

Nottingham Forest v ACF Fiorentina – Pre-Season Friendly

This signing is part of a clear, ambitious strategy from Forest. Last season’s seventh-place finish was a high point in the club’s recent history, but it also came with a clear message: if they want to push for Europe, they’ll need more firepower.

The club’s recruitment drive this summer has already seen Dan Ndoye arrive from Bologna — a player who offers versatility and energy — and the hugely important contract extension for Morgan Gibbs-White, the creative heartbeat of the team.

Kalimuendo’s arrival adds something different: a clinical edge. His 17 goals and three assists for Rennes in Ligue 1 last season were the product of smart positioning, calm finishing, and the ability to sniff out chances even in tight matches.

Who Is Arnaud Kalimuendo?

If you haven’t followed Ligue 1 closely, Kalimuendo might feel like a new name. But in France, he’s been making waves for years. A product of Paris Saint-Germain’s academy, he came through a system that has produced some of the brightest talents in French football.

After loan spells at Lens where he proved himself as a reliable goal-getter, Rennes swooped in to make him their main man up front. Standing at 5ft 9in, he’s not your towering target man. Instead, he relies on sharp movement, quick bursts of pace, and an ability to finish with either foot.

Why This Deal Makes Sense for Forest

In a league where margins are razor-thin, having a striker who can convert half-chances into goals is invaluable. Forest were competitive last season but often found themselves needing a bit more in the final third.

Kalimuendo brings:

• Consistency – double-digit goals in consecutive seasons.

• Versatility – capable of playing as a lone striker or in a two.

• Work rate – presses from the front and links play effectively.

Pairing him with Gibbs-White’s creativity could be a recipe for a lot of fun at the City Ground this season.

Did You Know?

• Kalimuendo’s 17 goals last season came from just 28 starts in Ligue 1.

• He has represented France at every youth level, from U16 to U21.

• His finishing style has drawn comparisons to Alexandre Lacazette in his younger Lyon days.

• Rennes signed him for around €20 million in 2022 — meaning they’re making a tidy profit just two years later.

More Than Just a Striker: Forest’s Summer Plan

Forest aren’t just adding goals; they’re adding depth and competition all over the pitch. In midfield, the club have set their sights on USMNT star Yunus Musah and have also shown interest in Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz.

The thinking is simple: if you’re going to challenge the Premier League’s established top six, you can’t rely on just one or two stars. You need a squad that can cope with injuries, rotation, and the inevitable dip in form over a long season.

By locking down Gibbs-White, bringing in Ndoye, and now closing in on Kalimuendo, Forest are making a statement: last season was the beginning, not the peak.

The Ligue 1 to Premier League Route

Kalimuendo’s move is another reminder of how much Premier League clubs value talent from France’s top flight. Over the years, the likes of Didier Drogba, Eden Hazard, Riyad Mahrez, and more recently William Saliba have shown that Ligue 1 is a goldmine for adaptable, technically gifted players.

For Kalimuendo, the challenge will be adapting to the physicality and speed of the English game. But his skill set suggests he has the tools to make the transition smoothly — especially in a team like Forest that will look to use his pace on the counter and his sharpness in the box.

What’s Next for Kalimuendo and Forest?

With the agreement now in place, the next steps are medical checks, final paperwork, and — inevitably — that first interview in a red Forest shirt.

For Steve Cooper’s side, the goal will be to integrate him quickly. The Premier League season waits for no one, and new strikers often need a few games to find their rhythm. But if Kalimuendo hits the ground running, Forest could find themselves with a front line capable of troubling any defence in the league.

Forest Fans’ Reactions

The news of the accepted bid has sent a buzz through the fanbase. Social media is full of excitement, with many pointing out that this is exactly the type of signing the club needed. Others are cautiously optimistic, noting that strikers from abroad sometimes need time to adjust.

One thing is certain: there’s a growing belief that Forest are building something sustainable and ambitious. A seventh-place finish last season might have been the appetizer — this season, fans are hungry for the main course.

Final Thoughts

The signing of Arnaud Kalimuendo for £26 million represents more than just a new name on the teamsheet. It’s a statement of intent. It’s Nottingham Forest showing they can compete in the market, attract proven goalscorers, and keep building on last season’s momentum.

With Kalimuendo potentially leading the line, Gibbs-White pulling the strings, and new additions strengthening the squad, Forest have every reason to believe they can not only match but improve on last season’s impressive finish.

The Premier League is unforgiving, but with a striker who knows how to find the net, Forest’s odds of making noise this year just got a lot better.