After a hectic summer transfer window, Nottingham Forest have now reportedly joined a hectic Premier League race to sign a Manchester City gem who Pep Guardiola loves.
Latest on Nuno and Nottingham Forest
As busy as their transfer window was, it's Nuno Espirito Santo who stole most of the headlines at the City Ground after he revealed a rift between himself and owner Evangelos Marinakis. It sparked instant reports that the Portuguese manager could be facing the sack and rumours suggested that his frustration came as a result of Forest's transfer activity.
Since then, however, Nuno has got his wish. Nottingham Forest signed a goalkeeper in John Victor and welcomed reinforcement at full-back by signing Oleksandr Zinchenko and Nicolo Savona. Add in the likes of Douglas Luiz, Arnaud Kalimuendo and James McAtee, and it's hard to see what else those at the City Ground could have done to satisfy their manager.
On paper, Nuno's transfer problem should be solved. But now he must get results. Forest have won just one of their opening three Premier League games, with that win against Brentford coming before the public spat between Nuno and Marinakis.
Those in the Midlands will be hoping that the international break has helped things cool down and set Forest back on course for success. With a trip to Arsenal awaiting Nuno's side next weekend, there would be no better way to get back on track than by defeating a side of the Gunners' calibre.
Meanwhile, as the action continues on the pitch, Forest have kept one eye on the transfer window and already have one 2026 target in mind.
Nottingham Forest join Nico O'Reilly race
According to Caught Offside, Nottingham Forest have joined the race to sign Nico O'Reilly from Manchester City in 2026. Joined by Lyon, Leeds United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea, the Midlands club have plenty of competition for the midfielder's signature, but could yet pull off an impressive coup.
It should come as no surprise that several clubs are interested in the 20-year-old, either. The big question is whether Forest or the rest of the chasing pack can lure Manchester City into a sale.
Nico O'Reilly
Guardiola is also a big fan of the midfielder and may not be keen to sanction his exit. The Spaniard told reporters last season: "He played really good. He’s a number 10, we cannot forget. But he has the pace, he is so intelligent and quality with the ball. In the final third he has vision. He played really good and had an impact.”
Of course, O'Reilly wouldn't be the first Manchester City gem to join Nuno at the City Ground. McAtee decided to leave the Etihad in search of game time this summer, with Forest stepping up to offer him exactly that. Now, another rising star could follow suit.