Eintracht Frankfurt are working behind the scenes to secure a permanent deal for Arnaud Kalimuendo, but Nottingham Forest still hold the strongest position in negotiations.
The striker joined Frankfurt on loan in January after a difficult start to life in England, and his revival in the Bundesliga has quickly made him a priority target for the German side.
The issue now is financial.
Frankfurt have a €27m purchase option agreed with Forest — but reports in Germany suggest they are actively trying to lower that figure.
Kalimuendo’s Bundesliga form has changed the picture
Kalimuendo struggled badly after arriving from Stade Rennais FC last summer.
Across nine Premier League appearances for Forest, he failed to register a goal or an assist, and his role quickly diminished.
The January loan offered a reset.
Since arriving in Frankfurt, the 23-year-old has rediscovered rhythm and confidence.
| Kalimuendo at Frankfurt | 2025/26 |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 16 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 4.04 |
| Minutes per game | 76 |
Source: Bundesliga performance data – 2 May 2026
The output has been strong enough to convince Frankfurt that he fits their long-term plans.
And that has shifted the conversation.
Frankfurt looking to repeat transfer formula
Frankfurt have recent history of negotiating down agreed clauses.
Their permanent signing of Rasmus Kristensen after initially carrying a €15m option showed how effective their strategy can be.
That deal was eventually completed for a lower guaranteed fee.
Now sporting director Markus Krösche is hoping to apply the same method again. The club’s plan is to generate funds through player sales.
Elye Wahi, currently on loan at OGC Nice, is attracting outside interest, while youngster Noel Futkeu could also be sold.
Together, those exits could help finance a move for Kalimuendo.
But Frankfurt still want Forest to compromise.
Nottingham Forest have no pressure to lower demands
Forest remain in control.
Kalimuendo is under contract until 2030, and the club are under no obligation to reduce the agreed €27m fee.
That leverage matters. Having followed Forest’s transfer strategy in recent windows, there has been a consistent pattern of protecting long-term value on younger assets, even when loan moves are involved.
Kalimuendo still fits that profile. His strong Bundesliga spell may even strengthen Forest’s position rather than weaken it.
If Frankfurt cannot meet the terms, the player returns to the City Ground — and Forest can reassess his role under Vítor Pereira.
That option gives them flexibility.
Key insights
- Frankfurt want to sign Kalimuendo permanently
- The €27m purchase clause remains a major obstacle
- The Bundesliga club are planning player sales to fund the move
- Forest have no immediate reason to lower the fee
- Kalimuendo’s strong loan spell has increased his value
What’s next?
Frankfurt’s next moves may depend on outgoing transfers.
If they can generate enough through player sales, they could return to Forest with a structured proposal or attempt to negotiate a reduced package.
Forest, meanwhile, can afford patience.
If no agreement is reached, Kalimuendo returns this summer — and with his Bundesliga form restored, his market options may be wider than before.
Will Forest cash in, or bring Kalimuendo back into their plans?
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