Nottingham Forest are reportedly in contact over signing a speedy Brazilian forward this summer, and one who Chelsea held talks to sign in 2024.
Forest transfer plans hinge on survival as vital two months await
Everything at Forest hinges on the next seven games.
Two points above Tottenham in 17th, three clear of West Ham in the bottom three, with a Europa League quarter-final against Porto on the horizon and Vitor Pereira still finding his feet as the club's fourth head coach of a quite extraordinary season.
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The 3-0 win at Tottenham before the international break bought breathing room and belief. But make no mistake — Forest are still in a fight for their Premier League lives, and the summer that follows will look completely different depending on which division they are in.
Fire sale if they go down. Morgan Gibbs-White, Elliot Anderson, Murillo — the club's most prized assets would surely all be gone.
A new striker is needed regardless, with Chris Wood's long-term absence leaving Pereira visibly concerned about his side's output in front of goal. There is an enormous amount to plan for.
Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis before the match Related
Napoli star open to joining Nottingham Forest as Marinakis and co push for summer deal
The Tricky Trees are attempting to get a new recruit already.
And yet, even with relegation still a real threat, Forest have found time to think about the future.
The name they have been drawn to is one of Brazilian football's most exciting teenage prospects — and they are not alone.
Sport Witness say that Forest and Brentford have both made enquiries and are now firmly in the race for Grêmio's Gabriel Mec.
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The 17-year-old's situation is accelerating sharply as the Brazilian club prepare for what they expect to be an imminent sale.
Mec is a direct, two-footed attacking midfielder who operates primarily as a left-winger, known for his tenacity, pace and ability to change a game with a moment of individual brilliance.
He has earned senior minutes at Grêmio this season — featuring in the state championship against Juventude before earning a league start against Atlético Mineiro — and while he is still to contribute a goal in 2026, he has got one assist in 2026, and his reputation as a game-changing talent precedes him.
Chelsea were actively pursuing the "rapid" teenager as far back as two years ago, with transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirming at the time that the Blues had genuine interest and had "opened talks to understand deal conditions," describing Mec as "one more gem from Brazil."
Liverpool have also tracked him closely, internally comparing his profile — his pace and directness in particular — to Vinícius Jr (TEAMtalk).
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Mec's representatives have already travelled to Europe, with Lisbon emerging as the initial hub for discussions. Meetings have been held with Benfica, and further talks are lined up with Sporting. Porto are also in the frame.
The fee benchmark was set last year when Grêmio accepted a Shakhtar Donetsk offer worth around £12.5 million — a deal that collapsed only because Mec himself chose to stay and develop in Brazil.
Grêmio's motivation to sell is acute. The club are dealing with financial pressures, and Mec is dubbed their most marketable asset.
With Mec turning 18 in April, the FIFA age restrictions that previously blocked an international move fall away entirely, and the expectation is that an exit deal will be concluded by mid-year.
For Forest, it represents shrewd thinking regardless of their league status.
Whether they are Premier League or Championship, the forward planning shows a club unwilling to simply wait and see.