TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Nottingham Forest are closing in on a deal for a new striker that Arsenal were interested in.
Arsenal have been actively searching for a new No.9 since the January transfer window, triggered by an injury crisis that left Mikel Arteta short of options up front.
The Gunners explored a number of striker targets and even made approaches for several, but ultimately failed to bring in reinforcements, a decision that arguably impacted their Premier League title challenge.
One of the players they were most strongly linked with, and with whom Arsenal made contact was Igor Jesus.
However, TBR Football understands Jesus is now set to join Nottingham Forest instead.
Photo by Daniel Castelo Branco/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Daniel Castelo Branco/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Nottingham Forest win the race to sign Igor Jesus despite Arsenal interest
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands that Nottingham Forest are set to win the race for a highly-rated Brazilian striker.
The £30m striker, who has previously attracted interest from Arsenal and Newcastle, has also been on the radar of Brentford, Everton, Leeds United, and West Ham in recent weeks.
However, TBR Football understands that Forest have now stepped up their pursuit by opening talks with Botafogo and are closing in on a deal for the striker, identified as Jesus.
Forest are also in talks with Botafogo to land attacking left-back Cuibani, who was wanted by Brighton, and central defender Jair Cunha.
Sources have told TBR Football that the deal will be in excess of £30m if all terms are agreed. It is further said that the triple deal is ‘progressing’, with Forest using their Brazilian sources to tie up a prospective deal.
The club already boasts a strong Brazilian core, including Murillo, Danilo, Morato, and Carlos Miguel.
Nottingham Forest return to Europe after 30 years
Nottingham Forest enjoyed a fantastic season, spending much of the campaign competing for a place in the top four.
It marked their best top-flight performance since finishing third in the 1994/95 season, a remarkable turnaround after two years spent battling relegation with Forest now back in European competition.
However, the ending proved bittersweet. A dip in form during the final stretch of the season saw them slip out of the top five and ultimately finish seventh, to the disappointment of Nuno Espirito Santo and the club’s owner.
Still, it was a successful campaign overall, and with Forest set to play in the UEFA Conference League next season, the club looks to strengthen the squad ahead of their European return.