In-demand Lyon winger Malick Fofana has emerged as a transfer target for Nottingham Forest.
The Reds are yet to add to their squad this summer as they look ahead to the 2025/26 campaign. That situation is expected to change in the weeks ahead, with this window likely to be a relatively busy one at the City Ground.
Top of Forest’s to-do list is strengthening head coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s attacking options. Striker Igor Jesus is set to make the move Trentside from Botafogo, but the Reds will also look to bolster their resources out wide.
According to French newspaper L’Equipe, Forest are one of several Premier League teams to have “expressed an interest” in Fofana in recent weeks. They are said to have been in touch with the player’s entourage.
Liverpool and Manchester United have also been linked, but Chelsea are seemingly in pole position to secure the 20-year-old’s services as things stand. The Blues are reportedly the first club to have made a direct approach to Lyon’s hierarchy.
A formal bid has not yet been made, but Enzo Maresca’s team are said to be eager to "determine the feasibility” of a deal. For their part, Lyon could be open to a significant sale in a bid to raise funds and are said to want more than €50 million (£42m) for the Belgian youngster.
A right-footed left winger, Fofana joined the French outfit from Gent in January 2024 for a reported €19.5 million (£16.6m) and is under contract until 2028. He impressed in Ligue 1 last season, notching five goals and weighing in with four assists from 29 appearances.
Reds boss Nuno made signing wingers a priority 12 months ago. Ramon Sosa and Jota Silva came in to provide cover and competition for Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga.
Sosa and Jota struggled for regular game time during their first campaign in English football, however. Both have been linked with moves elsewhere this summer - as has Elanga.
Elanga is wanted by Newcastle United after they failed in an attempt to land him 12 months ago. Forest have no desire to let any of their star men go, however, and are not under pressure to sell.
The Reds have conducted a fair bit of transfer business with Lyon in recent windows. Moussa Niakhate and Orel Mangala left the City Ground for the Ligue 1 side last summer, and goalkeeper Matt Turner and midfielder Danilo are said to be in line to follow in their footsteps this time around.
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