In what would see them get one over on their rivals, Nottingham Forest now reportedly want to sign a young Brazilian gem worth just £5m this summer in a deal that could see Edu Gaspar become key.
Nottingham Forest could use Edu advantage
In his first summer standing alongside Evangelos Marinakis and working for the clubs across his portfolio, Edu could prove to be a key part in Nottingham Forest's transfer window - especially if they qualify for the Champions League this season.
evangelos-marinakis
The former Arsenal sporting director helped rebuild the Gunners into consistent title challengers but could not resist the chance to secure a more important role across more clubs under Marinakis. Now, it's those at the City Ground who could benefit.
Already enjoying the fruits of previous successful recruitment, it should now be about sustaining their place among the Premier League's best for Nuno Espirito Santo's side.
Given how he plucked Gabriel Martinelli from Ituano in 2018 too, it should come as no surprise to see that Edu's focus has instantly shifted towards signing a Brazilian sensation in the Midlands.
According to Nosso Palestra, Nottingham Forest now want to hijack Wolves' move to sign Riquelme Filippi this summer. Reports are indicating that their Midlands rivals are already preparing a £5m bid to sign the Palmeiras winger, but that doesn't look set to stop Forest's own pursuit of signing the 18-year-old.
Club Brugge's Ardon Jashari in action with Juventus' Francisco Conceicao Related
[Nottingham Forest eyeing signing of "the best player in the Belgian league"](https://www.footballfancast.com/nottingham-forest-eyeing-ardon-jashari-who-wowed-pep-in-the-ucl/ "Nottingham Forest eyeing signing of "the best player in the Belgian league"")
The Tricky Trees have joined the race for a midfielder who has impressed in the Champions League this season.
In a race against their rivals, Edu could quickly become key. The South American market is one that the club chief knows well from his time at Arsenal and during his time as a player for Corinthians at both the start and end of his career.
So, as the summer approaches, it may not be long before Marinakis' decision proves worthwhile as Fillipi continues to impress in Brazil.
"Entertaining" Filippi is a rising star
Whilst Fillipi is not a player who'd make an instant impact on Espirito Santo's strongest side, the young forward is undoubtedly one for the future. At youth level this season, the teenager has been a goalscoring machine - finding the back of the net 11 times in just nine games for Palmeiras.
As a result of his excellent form, Fillipi has earned impressive praise from the likes of U23 scout Antonio Mango, who described the forward as "one of many entertaining players at Palmeiras".
If Nottingham Forest are looking for a permanent place in the Premier League's top four, then welcoming young stars who could play a part for years to come would certainly be a good start.
Up against Wolves in pursuit of Filippi, the Midlands outfit could even receive the added boost of getting one over on their rivals by securing the winger's signature this summer.