Nottingham Forest are stepping up their preparations for the new campaign and could now open talks to bring an exciting attacker to the City Ground, according to a report.
Forest look to rebound from Anthony Elanga departure
When talking about Nottingham Forest, there is one story that grabs most of the attention right now amid Nuno Espirito Santo and company returning for pre-season.
Following his excellent return last campaign, Anthony Elanga is travelling to undergo a medical at Newcastle United after both clubs agreed on a fee for the Sweden international.
Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga
Taking to social media platform X, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie added: "Anthony Elanga is costing Newcastle £52m + £3m in add-ons (told those are difficult to achieve). The winger is currently on his way to Newcastle for his medical which is booked in to begin this (Tuesday) evening."
Manchester United will inherit £6-7 million due to their sell-on clause for Elanga, who came through the ranks at Old Trafford, though Nottingham Forest are already profiling replacements and Atalanta's Ademola Lookman is on their radar.
Intriguingly, Lyon's Malick Fofana remains on the Tricky Trees' radar, but Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Napoli will provide stiff competition for his signature.
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Nuno Espirito Santo is looking to sign a Brazilian winger
Plates are beginning to spin as Nottingham Forest look to enjoy another season exceeding expectations, while the added carrot of Europa Conference League football at the City Ground could give them an edge when it comes to acquiring fresh blood.
Losing Elanga will come as a bitter blow, but sound recruitment in the East Midlands has propelled Nuno's men into challenging the Premier League elite, and they could now be about to make a transfer statement.
Nottingham Forest to open talks for Johan Bakayoko
According to The Telegraph, Nottingham Forest are set to open talks to sign PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko with Elanga headed for Tyneside.
The Belgium international is viewed as a 'top target' at the City Ground and is part of a wider plan behind the scenes to bring in two wide players this summer to bolster the manager's pool of options.
Anthony Elanga in 2024/25 - Premier League
Goals
Assists
Chances created
Completed dribbles
Successful crosses
Johan Bakayoko in 2024/25 - Eredivisie
Goals
Assists
Chances created
Completed dribbles
Successful crosses
Comparing well in direct comparison to Elanga, his profile appears to synchronise with Nottingham Forest's style of play, even if the Swede is more of a creator while Bakayoko finds himself amongst the goals more often.
He was even previously a Newcastle target before they opted to sign Elanga, with the Magpies seeing him as a cheaper alternative, so it's clear they possess similar attributes and both have room to develop further.
Intriguingly, the 22-year-old only has one year left on his deal at Philips Stadion, which could be a useful bargaining chip for the Tricky Trees if negotiations are to progress.
PSV are likely to demand £30 million for their star man, which would be a record total for Nottingham Forest if they were to press ahead. However, Bakayoko is definitely affordable and appears primed for a shot at the Premier League.