A striker is at the top of Nottingham Forest’s wish list ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline, but another crucial position of interest may be more realistic than previously thought.
After Evangelos Marinakis made signing a striker his first priority in January, rumors about other positions in the Forest squad that could be strengthened have virtually died down.
Nuno Espirito Santo may attempt to future-proof his team defensively, with Forest connected with Nasser Djiga as a potential long-term replacement if Murillo is grabbed by one of Europe’s premier clubs.
Another defensive theory claimed that Forest were interested in El Hadji Malick Diouf to replace the on-loan Alex Moreno as left-back competition, but Matheus Cunha was named Forest’s primary target, putting an end to speculation about any other position.
However, one potentially interesting midfield alternative may have just been given a lifeline, with crucial opponents Manchester City appearing to have dropped out of the fight.
Nottingham Forest has received an unexpected boost in their pursuit of Douglas Luiz.
The Brazilian was initially connected with Forest during the January transfer window, but with Manchester City also keen, a deal seemed unlikely.
A recent Daily Mail claim, however, has provided Forest a lifeline, as Manchester City appears to have began looking for an alternative to Luiz.
According to the report, Manchester City has made an approach for Porto’s Nico Gonzalez as they try to close the transfer window with a new central midfielder. City is believed to have contacted its Portuguese colleagues and is negotiating a cost.
“Gonzalez, represented by super agent Jorge Mendes, has a release clause of around £50 million but City are working to strike a deal lower.”
Given Manchester City apparently made a play for Luiz, their interest in Gonzalez from Porto may pave the way for Forest to launch a serious transfer bid for the Juventus midfielder.
Luiz wants to return to the Premier League having previously playing for Aston Villa, but Forest’s midfield depth may make signing him imprudent for Espirito Santo’s team, especially given his £59 million price.
Nottingham Forest may have the depth to escape Douglas Luiz.
There is little dispute about Luiz’s ability and Premier League pedigree, especially given that he scored nine goals and assisted five times in his final season at Villa before leaving to Italy.
However, given Ibrahim Sangare and Danilo’s recovery from injury, Evangelos Marinakis may be wise to avoid paying too much for the Brazilian.
Forest are adequately stocked in the midfield areas for the time being, particularly after the successful addition of Elliot Anderson in the summer, therefore any available monies should be directed into the striker search.
Luiz has only started three Serie A games for Juventus since his summer move, indicating that he is unlikely to break into the starting lineup any time soon in Italy. Therefore, the Forest owner might always return back for Luiz in the summer window, especially if Forest qualify for European football.
Forest were not actively seeking for a midfielder at the start of January, which should be respected given their interest in Luiz.
