Tottenham accelerate interest in 23-year-old Ligue 1 star who cna replace Richarlison

Tottenham have set their sights on signing Rennes star Arnaud Kalimuendo

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the appointment of Thomas Frank as their new boss and have now shifted their focus to bolstering his squad with new signings.

The Danish tactician should be given full control at White Hart Lane to build the team in his image, as his tactical acumen and proven work at Brentford demand. The 51-year-old’s system and philosophy requires specific players, and chairman Daniel Levy must back him fully with the right profiles.

The Lilywhites completed a permanent move for Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich on Sunday, their first piece of business under Thomas Frank. They cannot be satisfied with just Tel’s acquisition, owing to the problems they faced in the final third this past season. Spurs cannot continue with Richarlison as Dominic Solanke’s back-up if they are to compete well across multiple fronts next term.

Now, according to a report from French outlet L’Equipe, Tottenham are set to ramp up their interest in Rennes centre-forward Arnaud Kalimuendo. Bayer Leverkusen and Newcastle United have been monitoring his situation but they are yet to submit an official bid to Rennes.

A former Paris Saint-Germain academy youth product, Arnaud Kalimuendo spent two seasons on loan at RC Lens before being sold to Rennes in the summer of 2022. He has scored 34 goals in 93 Ligue 1 appearances for Rennes, including 17 goals in 33 league outings this past season. The former France Under-21 international’s goalscoring form has caught the attention of the aforementioned clubs.

But, it is Tottenham who planning to make contact with the French club to enquire about the player’s terms, adds the report.

Spurs are planning to move Richarlison on this summer, with the decision-makers frustrated with his poor fitness record. Timo Werner has been sent back to RB Leipzig after his underwhelming loan spell, while Son Heung-min is clearly past his best and cannot be relied upon for consistent displays.

Dominic Solanke, Spurs’ record signing, had an up-and-down debut season in North London. He wasn’t helped by lack of depth up front, which led to the England international shouldering the responsibility of leading the attack all by himself until Tel arrived on loan during the winter transfer window.

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Kalimuendo, in that regard, would be a smart option to cover for Solanke next season. The Frenchman could be viewed as a potential replacement for Richarlison in the roster, adding goals, pace and flair to Frank’s side. Contracted until 2027, Rennes may be tempted to cash in on the 23-year-old now, given his stock is high at this moment.

That being said, it will be intriguing to see the price Rennes set for Kalimuendo when Tottenham make an approach.