Nottingham Forest are among a number of teams said to be keeping tabs on Chile attacker Lucas Cepeda.
The 22-year-old has been in fine form for Colo Colo in his homeland, as well as for his national side. His sparkling performances have attracted plenty of admirers, with the Reds reportedly among them.
Forest have utilised the South American market to great effect in recent windows. But it seems they are in for a fight if they want to win the race for Cepeda’s signature.
The winger, who can also operate as a striker, is wanted by a string of clubs. Chilean publication Prensa Futbol have reported the Reds are interested in the youngster.
Southampton are also said to be keen while Cepeda has potential suitors in Italy, too, with Bologna and Udinese said to be among them. With that in mind, Argentine outfit River Plate are eager to “get ahead of the game” in this particular transfer battle.
It is claimed they plan to pay the $5 million (£3.7m) buyout clause in the player’s contract in order to fend off any other interest. There has reportedly already been contact from the Buenos Aires side with a view to sealing a deal.
According to Emol Sports, Cepeda is keen to leave Colo Colo after little more than a year at the club. They claim he has already indicated he would like to go to Europe, so it may be that River Plate are not yet in pole position to snap him up.
Cepeda joined Colo Colo from Santiago Wanderers in February 2024. Prensa Futbol have described the impact he has made since as being “a pleasant surprise” and he is now viewed as the team’s “best asset”.
The Chile international has scored five goals in 29 league games for the club. He has also found the net three times in seven appearances for his country.
Strengthening their attacking options is a priority for Forest this summer, with head coach Nuno Espirito Santo particularly favouring versatile players. Adding to their resources up front and out wide will be key for the Reds as they prepare to compete in Europe for the first time in three decades.
The first part of the transfer window closed for Premier League clubs on Tuesday. It will reopen on Monday (June 16) and will remain open until September 1, with this year’s window being split into two due to the Club World Cup.
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