Nottingham Forest agree £27m deal for Rennes striker | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest Close in on Arnaud Kalimuendo Deal

French Striker on the Move

According to Sports Mole, Nottingham Forest have reached an agreement with Rennes to sign Arnaud Kalimuendo in a deal worth £27m. As Fabrizio Romano confirmed, “Forest have agreed a £27m package with Rennes for the striker, who is now set to head to England to undergo a medical with the Reds.”

Kalimuendo has been the subject of intense speculation throughout the summer, attracting attention from a number of European clubs. His statistics underline why. The 23-year-old has scored 40 goals and registered 14 assists in 112 appearances for Rennes, developing into a striker of real promise.

Photo: IMAGO

Key Numbers Behind the Move

Last season offered a glimpse of his consistency and growth. Kalimuendo scored 18 goals and added four assists across 34 appearances, with 17 of those strikes coming in Ligue 1. That level of output in the top flight of French football made him one of the most reliable forwards in the division.

Potential Impact for Forest

If his medical proceeds without issue, the Frenchman could make his debut for Forest in their second Premier League match of the 2025-26 campaign against Crystal Palace on 24 August. As one close observer noted, “Kalimuendo could potentially make his debut for Forest in the team’s second match of the 2025-26 Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace.”

Forest are investing in proven output and a player still with significant room to grow, a statement of intent for the season ahead.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Excitement is building among Nottingham Forest supporters at the prospect of Kalimuendo pulling on the red shirt. Many fans have long called for a reliable centre-forward to lead the line and this signing feels like it could be the answer. The fee of £27m may raise eyebrows, yet in today’s market it appears a sensible gamble for a 23-year-old with proven numbers in a top European league.

Supporters will be expectant, some even daring to dream that Kalimuendo could become the talismanic figure Forest have lacked since their return to the Premier League. “He is young, hungry, and already producing double figures in goals,” one fan might argue, highlighting how his record in France bodes well for the English game.

Others may take a more cautious view. Adapting to the pace and physicality of the Premier League is never guaranteed, and Forest fans know the division can expose new arrivals quickly. The upcoming fixture against Crystal Palace will be watched closely, as it could set the tone for his impact.

Overall, there is an air of expectancy. Supporters are right to be excited, but equally aware that the pressure will be on Kalimuendo to justify his transfer fee and deliver goals from the very start.