Nottingham Forest's January transfer window is heating up, with a potential twist in the tale regarding their pursuit of Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Reds have been keen to bolster their attacking options, having already signed Napoli loanee Lorenzo Lucca. However, they now face a challenge as AC Milan has emerged as a strong contender for Mateta's signature.
According to the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan has made significant progress in their bid to secure Mateta's services. The report suggests that an agreement has been reached with Crystal Palace regarding a €30m (£26m) fee. It is claimed that Mateta prefers a move to Milan over joining Nottingham Forest under Sean Dyche's management.
The key obstacle for Forest is securing Crystal Palace's approval for an immediate transfer. The Selhurst Park club wants to ensure they have a suitable replacement for Mateta, and their interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers' Jorgen Strand Larsen has reportedly stalled. If the transfer is not approved before the deadline on Monday, La Gazzetta suggests that Mateta could still move to Italy in the summer, with the odds seemingly favoring Milan.
Nottingham Forest's attacking options have been limited since Arnaud Kalimuendo's loan departure to Eintracht Frankfurt. Summer signing Igor Jesus has been the primary goal-scorer, supported by Taiwo Awoniyi, who ended his Premier League goal drought with a brace in the recent 2-0 victory over Brentford. Awoniyi's return to the scoresheet was significant, as it was his first Premier League goal in over a year.
The Nigerian forward has been a subject of speculation this month, and his absence from the Europa League squad for the league phase against Ferencvaros is notable. Despite this, Awoniyi is expected to make his debut when Crystal Palace visits the City Ground on Sunday, providing Forest with another attacking option as they navigate the final days of the January transfer window.
The question remains: would Mateta's potential departure be a significant setback for Nottingham Forest? The fans are divided, and the comments section awaits their thoughts. Will Forest secure another striker, or will they have to make do with their current squad? The transfer saga continues, and the outcome will shape the team's future in the Premier League.
