According to recent reports, Nottingham Forest is aiming to leverage a European club`s difficult situation to secure a player described as a `true icon` for approximately £21 million.
Forest Exploring Deals for Additional Players
The club, known as the Reds, is reportedly nearing a £10 million agreement for Igor Jesus from Brazil`s Botafogo. He might be joined by other new recruits, as ESPN Brazil indicates Forest is also negotiating for FC Porto winger Pepe.
Porto values the 28-year-old winger at roughly £12 million this summer. Forest`s pursuit of Pepe occurs amidst ongoing interest from Newcastle United in Anthony Elanga.
Newcastle United has long admired the former Manchester United player and recently submitted a formal £45 million offer, which was promptly turned down.
In addition to identifying potential replacements for Elanga, manager Nuno Espírito Santo aims to bolster other positions, preparing the team for European competition next season. Despite Ola Aina`s strong performance last term, Forest has reportedly bid £5 million for Pablo Maffeo of Mallorca.
The Premier League club is working to finalize a deal with Mallorca for Maffeo, having already reached personal terms with the defender.
Forest and Nuno`s search for reinforcements extends further, with the club reportedly joining the race for a new forward.
Forest Reportedly Eyeing Mikautadze Amidst Lyon`s Struggles
According to TEAMtalk, Nottingham Forest is one of several clubs interested in signing striker Georges Mikautadze from French side Olympique Lyon.
The 24-year-old forward joined Lyon last summer, but due to their potential relegation to Ligue 2 (currently under appeal) and financial difficulties, he may be among several players permitted to depart during this transfer window.
TEAMtalk indicates that AS Roma and Eintracht Frankfurt are also interested in the Georgia international, whom Lyon values at €25 million, approximately £21.4 million.
Mikautadze`s impressive form during a loan spell at FC Metz prior to the European Championships last summer drew significant attention. He went on to co-win the Golden Boot at the tournament with three goals for the spirited Georgia team.
Following his tournament performance, Lyon signed him. He subsequently scored 11 goals in 34 Ligue 1 appearances last season and added four goals in the Europa League.
| Georges Mikautadze in Ligue 1 24/25 | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 34 |
| Goals | 11 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Shots per game | 1.6 |
| Key passes per game | 0.6 |
If Mikautadze, whom scout Jacek Kulig called a “true icon”, were to join Forest, he would compete for a starting position with Chris Wood, Taiwo Awoniyi, and likely Igor Jesus. This potential competition could prompt Awoniyi to seek opportunities elsewhere if the transfer happens.
