Franco-Congolese striker Arnaud Kalimuendo is on the verge of completing a transfer to Nottingham Forest, with the 23-year-old expected to sign a five-year deal that will see him play Premier League football for the first time.
The Stade Rennais forward is due in England on Saturday evening to undergo a medical before finalising the move, according to journalist Fabrice Hawkins.
Should the formalities be completed without issue, Kalimuendo will become the latest addition to Forest’s squad as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
Kalimuendo, who had been under contract with Rennes until 2027, has attracted interest across Europe following consistent performances in Ligue 1.
Valued at around €22 million by specialist site Transfermarkt, he has been regarded as one of the most promising young strikers to emerge from French football in recent years.
For Kalimuendo, the transfer represents a significant step forward in his career. Having already built a reputation in France, the move to England provides him with the chance to test himself against some of the world’s best defenders and showcase his abilities on one of the sport’s most competitive stages.
The striker’s profile has risen steadily since making his breakthrough, combining pace, movement, and clinical finishing. His versatility in attack has made him an attractive option in the transfer market, with clubs recognising his potential to develop further under the right conditions.
Reports in France suggest Forest’s persistence in pursuing Kalimuendo highlights their desire to strengthen attacking options and add depth to the squad. For a club aiming to consolidate its place in the Premier League, the signing of a young, dynamic forward fits the long-term vision.
Kalimuendo’s impending move comes as part of a summer where several Ligue 1 players have made high-profile switches across Europe.
His ability to adapt to new surroundings will now be tested in the fast-paced environment of English football, where physicality and tactical discipline are vital.
Supporters at the City Ground will be keen to see how quickly he can settle into Steve Cooper’s system and what impact he can bring in front of goal. Forest’s ambitions for the new season rely heavily on adding reliable firepower, and Kalimuendo will be expected to play a central role in achieving that aim.
Though his medical and final paperwork remain pending, the deal is expected to be confirmed in the coming days. For Kalimuendo, the move represents both an opportunity and a challenge – the chance to elevate his career in a league that demands consistency and quality from the very first match.
With his arrival imminent, Forest are preparing to welcome a striker whose blend of youth, technical skill, and ambition could prove decisive in their push for success. Kalimuendo’s signing, once completed, will underline Nottingham Forest’s intent to build for the future while competing at the highest level.
🚨Arnaud Kalimuendo will be in England tonight for the medical.
Total agreement between Nottingham and Rennes. 5 year contract ☑️ pic.twitter.com/egWJxukI13— Fabrice Hawkins (@FabriceHawkins) August 16, 2025
