Nicolo Savona has said he is ‘ready’ for the challenge of the Premier League as he prepares to join Nottingham Forest.
The Reds have reached an agreement with Juventus for the right-back to become their ninth signing of the summer window. He is set to undergo a medical in advance of putting pen to paper for the club.
Footage has emerged of Savona at Linate airport prior to his departure for the UK. He also spoke to reporters about his impending move.
In translated quotes relayed by Sport Witness, the defender said: “I am ready and happy. I am also sorry to leave Juventus after so many years.
“I thank the club, the staff, the teammates and the fans. But I am ready for the Premier League.”
Forest are said to have agreed a fee in the region of €15 million (£13m) for the 22-year-old. There have been conflicting claims in Italy about the proposed length of his contract, with some reports suggesting it will be a five-year deal and others indicating it will be for six years.
Juve general manager Damien Comolli confirmed the two clubs had reached an agreement for Savona while attending the Champions League draw in Monaco on Thursday. Midfielder Douglas Luiz has already linked up with Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad from the Serie A giants this summer.
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Comolli said: “We have just reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest for Savona, we can confirm it. The deal was closed this afternoon.”
Head coach Nuno discussed his transfer wish-list for the final days of the window after last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace. Strengthening at full-back was top of the agenda for the Portuguese, to provide cover and competition for Ola Aina and Neco Williams.
He said: “We need three players - one more goalie and two full-backs. We cannot live with the fear of if something happens to Ola and Neco.”
He added: “If one of our wingers can play at full-back, I will be the first to say that we need only one full-back. But Omari (Hutchinson), Kali (Arnaud Kalimuendo), Macca (James McAtee), I look at them and they are not full-backs.
“The team needs full-backs. We have Omar Richards and Eric Moreira, who need to move and proceed their careers and be happy, because I cannot give what they need in their careers, which is minutes.”
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