Newcastle United now in talks with former Toon defender over signing of £26m striker according to report from France
Newcastle United are starting to put the final touches on their summer transfer window as the new season rapidly approaches.
It has been a long slog, but having brought in a goalkeeper, a centre-back, and a right-winger already, three of the four priority positions have been filled.
After selling Sean Longstaff, the Magpies needed to add another midfielder, and now it looks like Jacob Ramsey is on his way to Tyneside.
That just leaves a centre-forward to find, of which Eddie Howe wants two. Yoane Wissa is on the starting blocks waiting for the gun to go off, but it's the search for a young, quality striker that's been causing the Magpies a lot of grief this summer, having missed out on several targets.
Arnaud Kalimuendo could be available for under £30 million
Now, French publication L'Equipe are reporting that Newcastle are in talks with Stade Rennes manager and former Newcastle defender Habib Beye about a move for Arnaud Kalimuendo.
Leeds United have already been rebuffed by the 23-year-old striker, but Brentford and Newcastle are keen, and it's believed he is valued at around £26 million, which could prove to be a bargain for Newcastle.
The versatile forward, who came through at Paris Saint-Germain before his move away in 2022, bagged 18 goals and four assists for Rennes last season
Newcastle have looked at Kalimuendo before
It's not the first time Newcastle have been linked with Kalimuendo, who has represented France at youth level and was part of their squad for the Olympics in 2024.
Kalimuendo may not come with the prestige of some of Newcastle's other targets, but he is young and talented and at £26 million, it's a relatively low-risk move.
Hopefully, the Newcastle connection with Habib Beye could go some way to securing an easy deal.
