Tottenham open talks with Ligue 1 club over summer transfer target | OneFootball

Tottenham Accelerate Kalimuendo Pursuit as Levy Seeks Reinforcements for Frank

Kalimuendo Emerges as Key Target in Summer Overhaul

As Tottenham Hotspur gear up for a return to Champions League football under new head coach Thomas Frank, the focus has swiftly shifted to securing attacking reinforcements. According to L’Équipe, Spurs have intensified discussions with Rennes over a potential move for Arnaud Kalimuendo, who is seen as a high-potential and cost-effective alternative to Dominic Solanke.

Kalimuendo’s form in Ligue 1 last season — 18 goals and four assists in 34 appearances — has not gone unnoticed. The 23-year-old forward’s dynamism, work rate and ability to operate across the frontline make him an attractive prospect for a Tottenham side seeking both depth and variation in attack.

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The Frenchman is under contract until 2026, but with only two years remaining on his deal, Rennes are believed to be open to offers in the region of €30 million (£26 million). That price point places Kalimuendo firmly within Tottenham’s budget, particularly as the club look to reshape a squad that finished a lowly 17th in the Premier League last season.

Richarlison Replacement Likely as Spurs Reset Up Front

While Kalimuendo is being monitored by other clubs, including Newcastle United and Bayer Leverkusen, Spurs are understood to have made direct contact with Rennes to open formal negotiations. This follows growing frustration with Richarlison’s lack of consistency since joining from Everton. The Brazilian has netted only 20 goals in 90 appearances for the club, a return that has fallen far short of expectations.

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With Richarlison linked heavily with a move to the Saudi Pro League, Tottenham are preparing for a possible departure. Kalimuendo would offer both a short-term solution and a longer-term asset — a forward who can press, link play and contribute goals in multiple competitions.

Levy Responds as Competition Grows

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is reportedly keen to act decisively, with interest from other European sides threatening to complicate the pursuit. L’Équipe reports that “Tottenham transfer chiefs are entering discussions with counterparts from Rennes” and that Spurs are “testing the waters” before formalising an offer.

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This strategic engagement is consistent with Tottenham’s cautious approach, but also reflects the urgency with which they are now operating. With permanent deals for Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel already secured, and links to Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo persisting, the club’s attacking rebuild is well underway.

Champions League Return Shaping Transfer Plans

Following Ange Postecoglou’s departure, Frank will be tasked with navigating a demanding fixture schedule that includes European and domestic commitments. Having a reliable and versatile striker to support or compete with Solanke is a necessity rather than a luxury.

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Kalimuendo, still just 23, represents a strategic signing for a club looking to build sustainably but compete aggressively. He ticks multiple boxes: affordability, room for development, European pedigree and an impressive domestic record in one of Europe’s top leagues.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

If you are a Spurs supporter looking for reasons to be optimistic about this new chapter under Thomas Frank, the club’s pursuit of Arnaud Kalimuendo should be right near the top of your list.

This isn’t just another rumoured target. Kalimuendo has the numbers to back it up — 18 goals in a competitive Rennes side, the kind of output that speaks to a striker maturing quickly in a league that doesn’t gift goals easily. He plays with intensity, can operate centrally or wide, and looks tailor-made for the kind of pressing, quick-transition football Frank prefers.

What makes this even more exciting is the price. At around £26 million, he offers far better value than many names circulating in the Premier League. For a club like Spurs, still smarting from inconsistent signings in recent years, this feels like a more thoughtful and calculated move.

Add to that the growing uncertainty around Richarlison and the need to keep up with rivals also strengthening, and Kalimuendo looks like both a smart and necessary signing. With the club back in the Champions League, Spurs need players who can deliver now and still grow — Kalimuendo fits that mould.