Nottingham Forest have become known for pulling off some remarkable business in the transfer market over recent years, even spending a pretty penny in the process.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis has constantly backed various managers in an attempt to lead the club to the next level and build on their Europa League qualification.
However, this season has been far from plain-sailing, with the Reds already on their third manager of the campaign, with Sean Dyche tasked with leading the club clear of the Premier League drop zone.
Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche during the press conference
At present, the side have a decent buffer over West Ham United, with the first-team having their destiny in their own hands with just 15 games remaining this season.
To strengthen their chances of staying in England’s top-flight for a fifth season, Marinakis could once again look to bolster his squad before the window closes on Monday night.
Forest offered a deal to land a new talisman this month
In an attempt to land a new centre-forward, Forest have already completed the signing of 6’7 striker Lorenzo Lucca on loan from Napoli until the end of the season.
The Italian moves to the City Ground looking to recapture his own goalscoring form, after netting just twice across all competitions in the first half of the campaign.
Lorenzo Lucca of SSC Napoli gestures-1
The move for the 25-year-old also includes an option to buy, with Dyche’s side having to pay a reported £35m if they are to secure his signature permanently.
However, despite the move, the Reds are still targeting added reinforcements in such an area, with former Aston Villa star Jhon Duran just one option on their shortlist.
According to TEAMtalk, the Reds have been offered the chance to land the Colombian international, who’s currently spending the season on loan at Europa League rivals Fenerbahçe.
The report states that the likes of Leeds United, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur have also been offered the chance to sign the Al Nassr talisman.
Jhon-Duran-Aston-Villa
However, despite the player wanting a move back to the Premier League, the article doesn’t state whether any move would be a loan or permanent, or where his preference lies this window.
Why Duran would be the dream Mateta alternative for Forest
In an attempt to bolster the frontline this window, Forest made a surprise £35m bid to land Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta - in what would have been a highly controversial transfer.
Mateta-1
However, despite the offer for the Frenchman, the offer was dismissed by Oliver Glasner’s men, who are said to be demanding a fee in the region of £40m to sell the 28-year-old.
It was also reported that the forward had already agreed personal terms over a move to the City Ground, but a deal now appears somewhat unlikely at present.
AC Milan have stormed into the race for his services in recent days, with Mateta now putting Forest’s offer on the back burner in an attempt to force a move to the San Siro.
As a result, other options have had to be considered by the hierarchy before the transfer window closes, with Duran just one of the names currently in their sights.
jhon duran PL stats (timeless)
Missing out on Mateta could prove to be a blessing in disguise for Forest, especially if a deal can be landed for the Colombian, with the former Villa man arguably a better addition.
When comparing their respective stats from the 2024/25 campaign, the Fenerbahçe man outperformed him in numerous key areas, highlighting why he would be a better addition.
Duran, who’s been labelled "one of the best strikers in today's game" by analyst Ben Mattinson, achieved a better minute per goal ratio, whilst also placing more of his shots on target.
The aforementioned figures showcase his clinical nature in the final third of the pitch - something Forest have lacked in Chris Wood’s absence this campaign.
How Duran & Mateta compared in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals scored
Minutes per goal
Shot on target accuracy
Shots on target
Goals per 90
Aerials won
Touches in 18-yard box
Stats via FotMob
He also posted a higher tally of shots on target per 90, whilst also achieving a better goal per 90 record - highlighting his clinical edge over Mateta in the Premier League.
Duran’s dominance over the Frenchman is further showcased in his higher tally of aerial duels won per 90, with such a figure making him the perfect target man in Dyche’s system.
Jhon-Duran
Jhon Duran
Missing out on Mateta’s signature would be a bitter blow for Forest, especially after the huge offer made for his signature, but it could well prove to be a blessing in disguise, with Duran such a "maverick" talent, as per Mattinson.
It’s evident from the stats produced last season that the Colombian would be a better addition, with his all-round talent making him a better option in attacking areas.
Should he replicate such numbers at the City Ground, there’s no reason why he can’t fire the club to survival and make himself a cult hero in the East Midlands.
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