Newcastle United need a striker and the club from North East England might have identified one as they gear up for a return to the UEFA Champions League.

According to L'Equipe, Eddie Howe's side have turned their attention to Stade Rennais striker- Arnaud Kalimuendo, who has been on tear in Ligue 1. 

The 23-year-old French striker, who was signed by Rennais in 2022 from PSG has rocketed to the top of Eddie Howe’s wishlist following a shining Ligue 1 campaign, where he netted 17 goals and chipped in with 3 assists across 33 appearances.

The metrics don’t lie either. According to FBref, Kalimuendo has outperformed his expected goals (xG 14.9), which shows his efficiency in front of goal.

Sources close to the situation confirm that Newcastle and Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen have made initial approaches for the forward, although neither club has yet submitted a formal offer.

As per the sources, Newcastle are even prepared to offer a “substantial sum” to beat the German side to his signature.