Nottingham Forest’s transfer priorities couldn’t be clearer as we approach the transfer window. However, they look set to compete with Arsenal, among others, for their top targets.
Almost as soon as the January window shut, Evangelos Marinakis made signing a striker a priority for the summer, moving on from the disappointment of not securing any of the rumoured targets in the winter.
This must’ve been a relief to Nuno Espirito Santo, who has had to rely almost solely on Chris Wood’s goals this season, even if fellow striker Taiwo Awoniyi feels he deserves more game time.
Going into the summer, Edu is expected to start his work at Forest, with one of his first jobs potentially being a straight transfer fight with his former employers, Arsenal.
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Arsenal add Nottingham Forest target Bryan Mbeumo to shortlist
Forest are interested in Bryan Mbeumo and look set to test Brentford’s resolve for the Cameroonian forward, who would add vital goals from out wide.
However, perhaps predictably, Espirito Santo’s side aren’t the only Premier League outfit looking at the 18-goal man, as TEAMtalk have revealed Arsenal’s interest in Mbeumo.
The report said: “Arsenal have identified Bryan Mbeumo, Jamie Gittens and Ademola Lookman as potential targets in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal are keen on reinforcing their attacking options, especially on the right wing, and are targeting Mbeumo, Gittens and Lookman. Gittens and Mbeumo have been on Arsenal’s radar for months, especially during the period when Bukayo Saka was injured.”
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Edu could be crucial in Forest signing Douglas Luiz due to the midfielder being a long-term Arsenal target in the past, so Marinakis will be praying that his Sporting Director-to-be will have some strings he can pull in the Mbeumo camp.
On the Brentford side, though, they look to have accepted losing their star man, based on comments from their captain, Christian Norgaard.
Brentford expect to sell Bryan Mbeumo in the summer
In a similar vein to how Forest are trying to stave off Manchester City’s interest in Morgan Gibbs-White, Brentford have always fought hard to keep their stars, but this summer looks to be a battle too far when it comes to Mbeumo.
In an interview on Sky Sports News, Brentford captain Norgaard discussed the likelihood of losing Mbeumo, as well as fellow Forest target Yoane Wissa.
Norgaard said: “I think Bryan is likely to go, I don’t know about Wissa yet. Everyone hopes that he might stay. Either way, I’m happy for the season and am happy for both of them. They deserve it so much.”
Similarly, Brentford boss Thomas Frank admitted Mbeumo could be sold, so if Forest can compete with Arsenal, they will have a fair shot at securing a statement signing.