Nottingham Forest decision holds key to Arnaud Kalimuendo Frankfurt return

Arnaud Kalimuendo remains keen on returning to Eintracht Frankfurt, but Oliver Glasner will have the final say over whether Nottingham Forest sanction another loan for the striker.

The 24-year-old spent last season on loan at Frankfurt and is reportedly open to heading back to Germany. However, he has since been reintegrated into Forest's first-team squad and has featured under Glasner at the start of the new campaign.

According to BILD, Frankfurt remain interested but are waiting to see whether the Forest manager will approve Kalimuendo's departure.

Frankfurt are attempting to strengthen several areas of their squad before the transfer window closes.

Manager Adi Hütter has publicly called for additions, although goalkeeper and centre-back currently appear to be higher priorities than another forward.

“A goalkeeper is obviously very, very important, and a centre-back will be very important too,” Hütter said.

“And if we have a bit of loose change left and can do something up front, the coach certainly won’t say no.”

Kalimuendo remains among the options should Frankfurt have enough financial flexibility to strengthen their attack.

BILD reports that the striker himself would like to return to Frankfurt following his spell with the Bundesliga club last season.

The major obstacle is Nottingham Forest.

Glasner has been reluctant to sanction Kalimuendo's departure throughout the summer, and the latest report maintains that his approval is essential before another loan can happen.

There have also been signs that the striker remains part of his plans.

Kalimuendo has featured in both of Forest's matches this season. He started in the EFL Cup and also made a brief Premier League appearance.

His involvement does not suggest Forest are actively attempting to move him out of the squad.

That leaves Frankfurt waiting for Glasner to change his position before they can make significant progress.

Even if Forest eventually approve a move, Frankfurt would still need to create sufficient room in their transfer budget.

Their immediate priorities elsewhere in the squad mean a striker may only arrive if there is money remaining towards the end of the window.

That makes Kalimuendo's situation dependent on developments at both clubs rather than simply the player's desire to return.

Frankfurt are expected to monitor Kalimuendo while completing more urgent business elsewhere.

The decisive call rests with Glasner. Unless the Nottingham Forest manager becomes willing to release the striker, Frankfurt's interest is unlikely to progress regardless of Kalimuendo's desire to return to Germany.