Nottingham Forest Secure Kalimuendo: The Third Major Addition This Summer
Nottingham Forest are on the verge of adding a potent new weapon to their attacking arsenal. Arnaud Kalimuendo, the gifted 23‑year‑old striker from Rennes, is set to complete a move to the City Ground in a deal reported at €31.5 million. The French forward is expected to travel to England soon for his medical and to finalize his contract—marking the third significant signing of Forest’s summer window, alongside Omari Hutchinson and James McAtee.
According to the transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Nottingham Forest have made remarkable progress in securing their transfer targets. After completing the signing of James McAtee, the club swiftly moved for Hutchinson and now appears very close to wrapping up the Kalimuendo deal. Fans can anticipate another boost to Forest’s forward line in the coming days.
Forest’s front office, led by Global Head of Football Edu Gaspar, have outmaneuvered other interested clubs with pinpoint efficiency. Despite competition from Brentford—who were reportedly in advanced talks—Forest managed to edge ahead and reach agreement on the striker’s transfer .
Kalimuendo arrives with an impressive résumé from Rennes. He scored 18 goals in 34 Ligue 1 appearances during the 2024–25 season, finishing as the club’s top scorer. Across his two seasons at Rennes, he consistently demonstrated his development into a reliable finishing presence and creative influence in the final third .
Forest’s technical analysis underscores just how well Kalimuendo fits their system. In 2024–25, he achieved a pass accuracy of 78.8% and recorded significant progressive carries and passes per 90 minutes—metrics that outshine some existing strikers in the squad (Nottingham Forest News). In Nuno Espírito Santo’s evolving tactical setup, which may feature two strikers, Kalimuendo’s dynamic profile gives him a solid chance to become a first-choice selection .
Unsurprisingly, Forest supporters have responded with excitement across social platforms. One fan described the signing as “exactly what we need upfront!!” while another compared the potential impact to Jamie Crego’s exploits, saying “Can’t tell you how good this signing is wow!!” (Nottingham Forest News). Others hailed him as a forward with sharp movement, pace, and finishing—traits Forest have long sought.
The impending arrival of Kalimuendo marks a defining moment in Forest’s summer business. With Hutchinson, McAtee, and now Kalimuendo bolstering the squad, the club is clearly intent on not just surviving—but competing—on multiple fronts, including the Premier League and European competitions.
Ultimately, if the deal is completed as expected, Arnaud Kalimuendo’s arrival will represent a statement of ambition from Nottingham Forest. He brings not just goals, but energy, technical skill, and versatility—qualities that can elevate the attack and inject fresh excitement into the City Ground faithful ahead of a crucial season.
