Fabrizio Romano: Nottingham Forest ‘Close’ to Third Signing in 24 Hours

Nottingham Forest Closing In on Deal for Rennes Striker Arnaud Kalimuendo

Nottingham Forest are reportedly on the brink of securing a deal for Rennes forward Arnaud Kalimuendo, with the lightning-quick striker set to make the move from northern France to the East Midlands.

After a standout Premier League campaign that saw Forest flirt with a Champions League spot until the final weeks — their best season since 1995 — owner Evangelos Marinakis is backing manager Nuno Espírito Santo in the transfer market. With funds available, Forest are targeting key reinforcements, and Kalimuendo appears to be top of the list.

Fabrizio Romano: Kalimuendo ‘On the Verge’ of Joining Forest

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reported on X (formerly Twitter) that Kalimuendo is “on the verge” of joining Nottingham Forest. According to Romano, the final details of the transfer are currently being finalised, with the striker expected to be unveiled shortly.

The move from Rennes to the City Ground would be a significant attacking boost for Forest, who already boast the in-form Chris Wood. The New Zealand striker was in sensational form last season, scoring 20 Premier League goals in 36 appearances. Kalimuendo’s arrival would add pace, youth, and depth to Forest’s frontline.

From PSG Prospect to Ligue 1 Star

A product of Paris Saint-Germain’s famed academy, Kalimuendo made his senior debut for the French giants in September 2020 at just 18 years old. However, he made only five appearances for PSG’s first team without scoring.

It was during two loan spells at Lens where Kalimuendo’s reputation grew. He scored 19 goals in 60 Ligue 1 appearances, becoming one of France’s brightest young forwards. Rennes signed him shortly after, and he continued his rise, netting 34 goals in 93 appearances across all competitions.

The 22-year-old has also been prolific for France’s youth teams and is now poised to test himself in both the Premier League and Europa League — a major step in his promising career.

A New-Look Forest Frontline

Kalimuendo is expected to join a revamped Forest attack that includes incoming talents James McAtee and Omari Hutchinson. With Chris Wood entering the twilight of his career, the club is clearly planning for the future — and Kalimuendo could quickly become one of the Premier League’s most exciting young forwards.

With Forest’s transfer activity picking up pace, the addition of Kalimuendo could be a statement of intent as the club looks to end a 35-year wait for major silverware.