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Nottingham Forest have received a new approach for Arnaud Kalimuendo, this time from Real Betis. The French striker’s future has already been a talking point this summer. Eintracht Frankfurt have been trying to bring him back to Germany after last season’s loan spell. Now Betis have entered the picture for the first time. Their problem is that Forest have made their demands very clear. Forest give Betis firm answer Spanish newspaper ABC Sevilla says Real Betis made an official enquiry for the striker. The Premier League club promptly responded they want €35m (£30.4m) for the 24-year-old. Arnaud Kalimuendo has been sounded out by Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo as the La Liga club search for a striker. His profile is said to fit what Manuel Pellegrini’s side want. Getting him out of Nottingham Forest is another matter. | Premier League 2025/26 | | | | | |---|---|---|---|---| | Appearances | 9 | | | | | Started | 0 | | | | | Minutes per game | 12 | | | | | Total minutes played | 106 | | | | | Goals | 0 | | | | | Assists | 0 | | | | ABC Sevilla explains Forest would accept a permanent transfer for €35m (£30.4m). A loan would only be considered if it included an obligation to buy for the same amount. That stance has also been picked up by Estadio Deportivo, who describe Forest’s response to the approach as “resounding”. Betis simply cannot meet those conditions at present. The Spanish club need to watch their spending and would prefer a loan with an option to buy. A major sale could change their position before the window closes. For now, Kalimuendo has therefore been placed to one side. Betis may revisit the situation if Forest’s demands change later this month. They are prepared to wait until the final days of the window for their new striker. A different scenario Betis now provide another possible destination, although NottinghamForest clearly don’t want another temporary solution without guarantees. The Reds paid Rennes €30m (£26.1m) for Kalimuendo last summer. According to ABC Sevilla, they now value him at €35m (£30.4m). Kalimuendo had scored 34 goals across three seasons at Rennes before arriving in England. Opportunities proved limited at Forest, which led to his January move. He then scored six times during his spell with Eintracht. Estadio Deportivo adds that Forest haven’t pushed him away from the first team while looking for a solution. Kalimuendo has been involved throughout pre-season and started against Udinese on Saturday. So Nottingham Forest are keeping him involved while maintaining a strong negotiating position. Betis are now watching to see whether that position softens. At €35m (£30.4m), however, the Spanish club currently see a deal as close to impossible. There is little point in agreeing a loan plus purchase option with Real Betis, because they’ll simply have no intention of using the clause.