In a late flurry of arrivals, Nottingham Forest are now reportedly "exploring" a deal to sign another Premier League rival before the end of the transfer window.
James McAtee "ready" for Forest challenge
One of three names to arrive in the last week, James McAtee joined Omari Hutchinson and Arnaud Kalimuendo on Nottingham Forest's list of recent signings after sealing his move from Manchester City. The young midfielder is full of potential and, in his own words, "ready" for the challenge that awaits at the City Ground.
“I feel ready for a new challenge and the Club had a great season last year so I want to help build on that and show what I can do.
“I’m so happy to be here and really looking forward to getting started with my new teammates and I know the ambition of everyone associated with the Club which is something I want to be a part of.”
Of course, the last gem to leave the Etihad went on to become one of the best players in the Premier League and if McAtee reaches anywhere near the levels that Cole Palmer has at Chelsea then Nottingham Forest will have themselves a game-changer.
Evangelos Marinakis' transfer business isn't done there, however. Nottingham Forest are now reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Douglas Luiz from Juventus to add a midfield reinforcement to Nuno Espirito Santo's side.
In a frustrating blow for their Midlands rivals, Aston Villa, Forest look destined to welcome their former star and help bring an end to the Brazilian's nightmare spell at Juventus.
It may not be the last time they get one over on their rivals, either. Alongside Luiz, Nottingham Forest are now reportedly "exploring" a deal to sign a player that the City Ground should already be very familiar with.
Nottingham Forest "exploring" Matty Cash deal
According to The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell, Nottingham Forest are now "exploring" a deal to sign Matty Cash from Aston Villa this summer. The move would see the right-back complete a return to the City Ground five years on from swapping Forest for the chance to join Villa.
Matty-Cash-Fabian-Ruiz
Having graduated from the Forest academy, Cash should be a welcomed return at the City Ground if he completes a move this month. There's no denying that he would add plenty of experience, depth and quality to Espirito Santo's backline too.
PL Stats 24/25 Matty Cash Ola Aina
Minutes 2,070 2,995
Assists 1 1
Ball Recoveries 81 190
Tackles Won 32 42
When compared with Ola Aina, who enjoyed an excellent campaign last time out, it's clear that Cash would push the Nigerian all the way for a starting place by returning to Nottingham Forest.
What's more, with European football to contend with on top of domestic duties this season, Espirito Santo should welcome the idea of competition for places in every position. And adding a player who was described as "versatile" by Unai Emery to the Portuguese manager's squad would certainly do exactly that this month.