Newcastle United register interest in Arnaud Kalimuendo | OneFootball

Newcastle United have reportedly registered an interest in French forward Arnaud Kalimuendo as they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of next season.

According to L’Equipe, Primeira Liga champions Sporting CP are also in the race amid Viktor Gyokeres’ expected exit.

However, the Magpies could have an edge over their Portuguese counterparts, with Kalimuendo believed to be keen on a move to the top tier of English football.

Currently playing for Stade Rennais in Ligue 1, the striker has caught the attention of several clubs after an impressive season in France.

He netted 17 goals in 33 matches, only behind Ousmane Dembele and Mason Greenwood in the scoring charts.

The 23-year-old forward came through the Paris Saint-Germain youth system before making a permanent switch to Rennes in 2022.

Having moved to Rennes for a €20 million fee three years ago, Kalimuendo is expected to command a transfer fee of around double that amount as he looks set to enter the prime years of his career.

Newcastle scouts have reportedly been monitoring Kalimuendo for several months.

The club’s recruitment team is impressed with goalscoring ability, his work ethic and tactical intelligence – traits that fit well with Eddie Howe’s high-pressing style.

Newcastle’s desire to bring in a new centre forward is not far-fetched given the impending departure of Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak’s future, who is attracting interest from all around Europe.

Qualifying for Champions League football could be the key to retaining Isak’s services, and Newcastle will set out to secure a top-four finish by beating Everton in their final Premier League fixture tomorrow.