Atlanta United is finalizing a deal to sign Swiss international forward Breel Embolo from Stade Rennes for a fee in the region of $18 million, The Athletic reported this week.

Embolo, 29, is the marquee striker signing Atlanta has been working hard on most of the summer, alongside the departure of center forward Emmanuel Latte Lath. Atlanta made Latte Lath the league's most expensive signing 20 months ago ($22 million, Middlesbrough) but it didn't work out.

The Swiss international had 10 goals and three assists in 34 appearances (2,143 minutes) for Rennes last season. He previously featured for AS Monaco and Borussia Mönchengladbach in recent seasons.

Embolo will be among the five most expensive signings in MLS history. Atlanta United is responsible for five of the top 10. Beyond Latte Lath, Atlanta splashed the cash for Thiago Almada ($16 million), Pity Martínez ($15.5 million) and Ezequiel Barco ($15 million).

Atlanta is working to overhaul the roster under head coach Tata Martino but have had a revolving door of signings that haven't worked out over the last half-decade. It hasn't discouraged ownership from continuing to spend, with Embolo the latest example.