Nottingham Forest are ready to take their transfer business to the next level this summer.
Nuno Espirito Santo will lead the club into European competition for the first time this century. As such, players who can star in this environment must be signed.
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The City Ground side have earmarked Brentford forward Yoane Wissa as someone who could add plenty to the team next term. Santo saw a bid rejected in January, but it looks as though he is ready to renew that pursuit, despite rival interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
With Morgan Gibbs-White seemingly closing in on his own move to Spurs - albeit with there having been a significant bump in the road on that deal - Santo will need to sign a replacement.
Nottingham Forest transfer news
With another attacking midfielder now required due to Gibbs-White’s potential departure, it appears as though Santo is targeting a Manchester City starlet.
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According to the Telegraph, Forest are ready to make a formal offer for James McAtee, having established contact with the club.
This bid is reportedly going to be around £25m, although that falls short of the £42.5m that Pep Guardiola seemingly values his player.
McAtee is a wanted man. West Ham United are also keen, while several Bundesliga outfits are also looking to sign him.
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He would be an excellent signing for Forest, especially if they can also land Wissa this summer.
Why Nottingham Forest should sign James McAtee
Last season, Wissa scored an impressive tally of 20 goals for the Bees in all competitions, while registering five assists in the process.
Wissa season in numbers 2024-25 (timeless)
Able to play off either flank or as a centre-forward, the 28-year-old would give Santo plenty of options next season.
If he had a player like McAtee operating behind him in an attacking midfield role, Wissa would surely thrive at Forest, with the England U21 star a real creative spark when at his best.
Indeed, in City's youth ranks, the left-footer registered 19 assists in 52 games for the U23s. On the international scene, meanwhile, McAtee was also a central figure as the Young Lions romped to European Championship glory this summer, having registered two assists and averaged 1.7 key passes per game, as per Sofascore.
James McAtee's statistics at Man City last season (PL only)
Goals
Assists
Key passes per game
Big chances created
Successful dribbles per game
Shots per game
Via Sofascore
The 22-year-old only played 27 times for City throughout 2024/25, scoring seven goals. Despite his lack of consistent gametime, the youngster did show flashes of his class.
He scored a hat-trick against Salford in the FA Cup, while also finding the net in the Champions League.
Is it time for a fresh start, however? Guardiola did label the Englishman as a “special player” after his three-goal performance against Salford, but the time is right to spread his wings.
During his loan spell with Sheffield United in the 2023/24 campaign, McAtee ranked in the top 10% for successful take-ons (1.63) per 90 in the top flight, along with ranking in the top 11% for carries into the penalty area per 90 (0.89) when compared to his peers.
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These statistics prove just how effective he can be, especially by taking on his opposite man and bringing the ball into the box.
Wissa would thrive on those chances created by McAtee, without a shadow of a doubt. If he were able to score another 19 Premier League goals next season, this time for Forest, Santo would be a happy man.
Everything may rest on whether the club can seal the signature of McAtee.
Nottingham Forest player Morgan Gibbs-White Related
Nottingham Forest make bid to sign 28 y/o who Spurs want with Gibbs-White
The update comes from the reliable David Ornstein.