Newcastle now in talks former defender over signing of £26M striker after report from France

Newcastle United are edging closer to completing their summer transfer business as the new season looms, with the club now turning their attention to securing a striker to round off a busy window.

Eddie Howe has already overseen the arrivals of a goalkeeper, a centre-back, and a right-winger, filling three of the four priority positions identified earlier in the summer.

The recent sale of Sean Longstaff created a gap in midfield, and that void looks set to be filled by Jacob Ramsey, who is on the verge of joining from Aston Villa. Once that deal is over the line, the focus will shift entirely to bolstering the attack.

Howe’s plans involve adding not one but two centre-forwards, ensuring depth and variety in his striking options.

Yoane Wissa is poised to be one of those additions, with a deal waiting for the final dominoes to fall elsewhere in the transfer market before it can be completed.

However, the search for a younger, long-term striking option has been far more complicated, with Newcastle missing out on several targets over the course of the summer. Despite the setbacks, the club now appear to have a fresh and promising candidate firmly in their sights.

According to French outlet L’Équipe, Newcastle are in discussions with Stade Rennes manager and former Magpies defender Habib Beye over the potential signing of Arnaud Kalimuendo.

The 23-year-old striker has already turned down an approach from Leeds United, signalling his desire to aim higher, and Brentford are also reportedly interested.

Kalimuendo’s current valuation is believed to be in the region of £26 million, a figure that could represent a shrewd piece of business for a player of his profile.

Kalimuendo’s career began at Paris Saint-Germain, where he progressed through the academy ranks but found first-team opportunities limited.

A move away from the French capital in 2022 proved to be the turning point, as he established himself at Rennes as a versatile and reliable forward. Capable of playing across the front line, he enjoyed an excellent campaign last season, scoring 18 goals and providing four assists in all competitions.

His combination of movement, finishing ability, and composure in the box has made him one of the more intriguing young forwards in Ligue 1.

Newcastle’s interest in Kalimuendo is not new. The club have monitored him in the past and are well aware of his potential.

His performances for France’s youth teams, along with his inclusion in the 2024 Olympic squad, underline his pedigree at international level.

While he may not carry the same global reputation as some of the other forwards the club have pursued this summer, his age, proven record, and attainable price tag make him an appealing option.

For Howe, signing Kalimuendo would provide a blend of immediate impact and future potential, allowing him to gradually integrate the player into the demands of the Premier League while developing him into a long-term asset.

The connection with Habib Beye could also work in Newcastle’s favour, potentially smoothing negotiations and speeding up the process.

With the new season days away, Newcastle are eager to finalise their squad additions quickly, ensuring Howe has the depth and quality needed to compete on multiple fronts.

If they can secure Kalimuendo for around £26 million, alongside the likely arrival of Wissa, the club’s attacking options would be significantly strengthened.

For a team balancing domestic ambitions with the return of European football, these final moves in the market could prove decisive in shaping their fortunes over the coming campaign.