Tottenham target prolific Ligue 1 forward as Richarlison exit looms | OneFootball

Tottenham Track Ligue 1 Striker Kalimuendo as Attack Reinforcement

Striker search intensifies amid Richarlison uncertainty

Tottenham are reportedly eyeing a move for Rennes forward Arnaud Kalimuendo as they look to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season. According to RMC Sport, the 23-year-old is attracting strong interest from the Premier League, with Spurs emerging as a serious contender.

Kalimuendo, who scored 17 goals and added four assists in Ligue 1 last season, has emerged as one of French football’s most efficient finishers. Rennes are said to be open to selling but are demanding at least €30 million (£26 million). With clubs like RB Leipzig and Villarreal also interested, competition could intensify.

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Forward options under review

Tottenham’s investment in Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel, Kevin Danso, Luka Vuskovic, and Kota Takai has signalled a long-term strategy, but the striker position remains an area of focus. Dominic Solanke impressed in his first season with 16 goals and eight assists in 45 appearances, yet concerns about depth persist.

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With Richarlison linked to moves away from North London and Tel still raw at 20, Kalimuendo could be a fitting solution. His movement, pace and finishing instincts align with the attacking structure Thomas Frank is building.

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Nottingham Forest also in the frame

Nottingham Forest have also expressed interest in Kalimuendo, though it remains to be seen whether they can match Tottenham’s project or ambition. RB Leipzig view the Frenchman as a potential replacement for Benjamin Sesko, should the Slovenian depart for Newcastle United.

Rennes, meanwhile, are actively seeking a replacement, a sign they may be preparing for Kalimuendo’s departure.

Spurs’ recruitment drive continues

With over £120 million already spent, Tottenham’s intent is clear. The push for Morgan Gibbs-White continues amid legal wrangling with Nottingham Forest, but bolstering the forward line appears to be next on the agenda.

Kalimuendo may not be the marquee name, but he fits the club’s transfer model: young, productive and with room to grow.

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For Spurs fans, the link to Arnaud Kalimuendo should feel more exciting than it initially appears. This is a player who fits the current direction of the club: high-potential, smart-value targets that can contribute immediately but still develop further.

Kalimuendo’s numbers in Ligue 1 are not to be overlooked. Seventeen goals for Rennes, a side outside France’s top two, suggests a striker capable of thriving in a team with more creative support. His off-the-ball movement and instinctive finishing would complement Solanke well, while also offering something different in approach.

What’s equally encouraging is that Spurs are not sitting still. The Richarlison situation could easily leave a gap in the squad, and relying solely on Tel to back up Solanke is risky. Kalimuendo feels like a calculated move, not a panic buy, and one with genuine upside.

Of course, €30 million for a non-Premier League striker is always a gamble. But Spurs have made a habit of backing young talent in recent windows, and this would be no exception. The interest from Forest and Leipzig adds urgency, but if Tottenham are serious, they should act decisively.

In a window that already reflects long-term planning, Kalimuendo would be another forward-thinking addition.