Nottingham Forest are pushing ahead with talks to sign Rennes striker Arnaud Kalimuendo.
While no official bid has been made yet, discussions are moving forward on a deal worth around £26 million for the 23-year-old. Kalimuendo was in top form last season, scoring 17 goals in Ligue 1. Since joining Rennes three years ago, he has netted 34 goals in 93 league games.
Forest are determined to boost their attacking power as they prepare for a return to European competition for the first time in 30 years. Chris Wood, last season’s 20-goal hero, remains a key player, and the club has already added Brazilian forward Igor Jesus and Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi to their squad this summer.
The club is also working to finalise a deal for Manchester City midfielder James McAtee. The England under-21 star could arrive before Forest’s season opener against Brentford at the City Ground on Sunday.
Manager Nuno Espírito Santo wants depth across the squad to improve on last season’s seventh-place finish and to compete strongly in the Europa League.
Forest’s busy transfer window has already seen the arrival of defender Jair Cunha from Botafogo and goalkeeper Angus Gunn, who will provide cover for Golden Glove winner Matz Sels. The club also smashed their transfer record by paying around £35m for Swiss winger Dan Ndoye from Bologna.
They are also keeping tabs on Fulham winger Adama Traoré and USMNT midfielder Yunus Musah, with talks held with AC Milan over the latter.
