Tottenham hold initial talks over £26m striker but Villarreal may steal a march

According to an update from France, Tottenham Hotspur have held talks with Rennes regarding a move for their prolific centre-forward, but the Lilywhites face competition from Villarreal.

Thomas Frank has sent mixed messages about Richarlison, whose future at N17 is shrouded in doubt ahead of the new season.

It is thus unsurprising that Tottenham are scouring the markets for number nines, and it emerged last month that Spurs had expressed an interest in Rennes striker Arnaud Kalimuendo, who scored 18 goals and provided four assists across all competitions last season.

Some sources subsequently insisted that Tottenham would have to pay £26m to land Kalimuendo, but it turns out that the Lilywhites now face competition for the 23-year-old.

Villarreal could challenge Tottenham for Arnaud Kalimuendo

According to a new report in L’Equipe, Tottenham do indeed hold an interest in the Rennes star and have made advances towards him.

The outlet says that Spurs have already held discussions with the Ligue 1 side regarding Kalimuendo, but the negotiations have not been concrete at this stage.

The outlet claims that the French striker has a verbal agreement with the Rennes management that he will be allowed to leave this summer for the right price.

However, the report adds that Spurs may not have a free run at the player. This is because Villarreal are now eyeing Kalimuendo as a potential replacement for Thierno Barry, who they have sold to Everton.

Are Spurs eyeing Kalimuendo as an alternative to Yoane Wissa?

The timing of this report is interesting as it arrives at a time when Tottenham Hotspur are seemingly cooling their interest in a Brentford star, who has been heavily linked with a move to N17.

Over the last few days, several reports have claimed that Yoane Wissa is no longer a big priority for Tottenham.

In fact, some outlets have said that Brentford are surprised that Spurs have not advanced their interest in Wissa so far.

• READ MORE: Tottenham battling Borussia Dortmund to sign £15.6m Crystal Palace star

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