Planning for the 2025/26 campaign can begin in earnest for Nottingham Forest now the Premier League fixtures have been released.
By the time August comes around, Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad is likely to look a little bit different. Although it has been a relatively quiet start to the summer transfer window for the Reds, that is sure to change in the coming weeks.
Ins and outs have been in short supply so far but plenty of rumours have still been doing the rounds. Below, NottinghamshireLive rounds up the latest Forest transfer talk.
Striker interest
Igor Jesus has been making headlines with his exploits at the Club World Cup ahead of his expected move to the City Ground. The forward is set to link up with the Reds from Botafogo after his participation in the tournament.
But had things worked out differently, perhaps a different Brazilian striker might have been in line to join Forest. According to Brazilian publication BolaVIP, the Reds asked about Cruzeiro’s Kaio Jorge before the FIFA competition kicked off earlier this month.
It is claimed Forest “signalled their interest” in paying €15 million (£13m) for the 23-year-old, who is under contract until 2028. However, his club “ruled out” such a fee and set a €25m (£21m) price tag for the player.
That seemed to mark the end of the matter, with no formal offer made and Jesus on his way to the banks of the Trent instead. For his part, Jorge was apparently “not encouraged” by the prospect of the move and his “expectation” is to stay put with Cruzeiro.
Rios reality
Forest have been linked with Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios for some time. They had reportedly stepped up their interest in the 25-year-old by scouting him at the Club World Cup.
But it appears the Reds will have their work cut out if they decide to try to snap up the Colombian. Palmeiras are said to have every intention of keeping their star man.
ESPN Brazil report the Brazilian side have “zero interest” in selling Rios. It is said they want to retain his services for “as long as possible”, with only an “absurd proposal” likely to change their mind.
So what would it take to tempt Palmeiras? Rios is said to have a release clause worth in the region of £85m in his contract, but Sport Witness have suggested €40m (£34m) could do the job.
They quote journalist Jorge Nicola as saying: “Just to add something about Richard Rios, one of the most talked about midfielders in South American football. And it’s exactly because of this great demand that Palmeiras dreams of a deal worth up to €40m, a value that is equivalent today to a fortune. Today, Palmeiras has 70 percent of the economic rights, and there is a real chance of a deal starting in July, especially if the conditions of these €40m are met.”
Wood you believe it?
Forest will be hoping Chris Wood is regularly among the goals again when the new term kicks off. The New Zealander found the net 20 times in the Premier League last season as he helped fire the team into Europe.
Every club wants a striker capable of hitting those numbers. And according to pundit Darren Ambrose, Wood would do wonders for Arsenal as they search for a forward in a bid to challenge for the title.
He said on talkSPORT: “We’re talking about goalscorers. What are we looking for if you’re Arsenal? You looking for just a superstar that you go and pay £100 million for?
“My argument for Chris Wood and (Jean-Philippe) Mateta is an argument that would get ridiculed by certain supporters. But Chris Wood has scored 34 Premier League goals in the last two seasons - that’s a proven Premier League goalscorer. So why is that frowned upon?
“If you put him in front of goal, he’s going to score. Yes, he’s 33. Yes, there is no sell-on value. I’m not advocating they (Arsenal) go and sign Chris Wood, but what are you looking for?
Ambrose added: “If you put Chris Wood in the Arsenal side, he gets over 20 goals. He does. Look at the goals he’s scoring now. He’s an out-and-out goalscorer.
“Arsenal fans would laugh. They’d say they can’t have Chris Wood. But why?”
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Youngster targeted
The Reds are among a number of teams said to be keeping tabs on young Rennes forward Wilson Samake. The 21-year-old reportedly attracted plenty of admirers with his performances for Mali at the recent Toulon Under-21 tournament in France.
According to Africa Foot, Forest are keen on him - but they are far from the only ones interested. Leeds United, Newcastle United, Burnley, Paris FC, Fiorentina, Lorient and Valencia are also said to be eyeing him up.
Newly-promoted Leeds are reportedly planning to make a €1m (£850,000) bid for the youngster. Meanwhile, Burnley are involved in “intense negotiations” and have put forward a two-year contract in an effort to win the race for Samake’s signature.
He could yet stay put in France as Rennes are said to have a two-year contract extension in the works. However, offers from elsewhere are “being considered” and a departure is not ruled out.
Do the club need to sell?
There continues to be a lot of speculation about some of the Reds’ star men. Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi all have their admirers and Forest’s resolve to hang on to them may well be tested.
However, the club are under no financial pressure to raise funds. As was the case last summer, retaining the bulk of Nuno’s squad is the aim.
What do you think the team needs?
To hope the agreement reached with Igor Jeus is watertight! Forest look to have a gem on their hands with the Brazilian. A deal is said to be pretty much done and dusted, with the forward and teammate Jair Cunha to head Trentside after the Club World Cup. Good job the Reds acted quickly as otherwise his valuation might just have gone up!
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