Nottingham Forest are a club who are still on the lookout for added reinforcements in the transfer market, that’s despite showing some impressive signs in the Europa League.
Sean Dyche’s side secured a 4-0 win over Hungarian side Ferencvaros, subsequently securing a place in the last 32 of the competition after finishing 13th in the league table.
Whilst such a result highlighted the Reds’ quality in the attacking third, the hierarchy are still targeting a move for Jean-Philippe Mateta in an attempt to bolster the frontline.
The opening offer of £35m was rejected by fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace earlier this week, but it’s thought a move could still be on the cards before Monday’s deadline.
However, other areas of the pitch are still being considered for reinforcements, with numerous players appearing on their radar over the last couple of days.
Over the last couple of days, Forest have ramped up their pursuit for the signature of Napoli left-back Mathias Olivera after previously registering interest earlier in the window.
It was confirmed earlier this week that Dyche’s side had made an offer to the Italian outfit for the 28-year-old, but like Mateta, it fell short of their valuation of the player.
However, reports have suggested that a new offer is expected to be made before the window slams shut, with the player himself keen on a move to the Premier League.
Olivera isn’t the only Serie A star currently on the Reds’, with Inter Milan star Davide Frattesi another player being considered before Monday night’s deadline.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Forest have made contact with the Italian side over a possible move to land the central midfielder, after previously being keen on his signature.
He claims that the Reds are huge admirers of the 26-year-old, with his current side open to letting him leave if an acceptable offer is presented in the coming days.
However, a possible swap deal could be on the cards, with Inter’s sporting director very keen on a deal which could see winger Dan Ndoye move in the opposite direction.
Why Frattesi would be perfect for Jesus at Forest
Igor Jesus is a striker who has often divided opinion at Forest following his summer move from Botafogo, but his recent showings have highlighted his clinical nature in the final third.
The Brazilian netted a superb opener against Brentford on Sunday afternoon, with his chest and volley finish setting Dyche’s up for a needed Premier League victory.
The 24-year-old added two more goals to his tally in the Europa League win last night, subsequently taking his tally in Europe this season to six – the second highest of any player in the competition.
As a result, Jesus is now the club’s top scorer in all competitions, with his tally of 11 goals to date showcasing what he’s capable of when handed the service in the final third.
Despite the recent activity in the transfer market, which has seen offers made for Mateta and the arrival of Lorenzo Lucca, there’s no doubt that Jesus should be the starting number nine.
Any move for Frattesi before Monday’s deadline could aid the talisman in his quest for more goals, with the Italian possessing talent that could hand the forward with the added chances he craves.
The Inter star, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by one Italian analyst, has created 1.4 chances per 90 this season, with 0.4 of which being defined as big chances.
The aforementioned tallies showcase his ability to provide those ahead of him with chances in front of goal, which in turn could allow Jesus to further bolster his impressive goalscoring tally.
Frattesi has also completed 81% of the passes he’s attempted this season, with 3.4 of his passes per 90 being directed into the final third – which also massively falls into the hands of the Brazilian.
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Davide Frattesi – Serie A stats (2025/26) |
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|---|---|
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Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
11 |
|
Minutes played |
251 |
|
Pass accuracy |
81% |
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Passes into final third |
3.4 |
|
Chances created |
1.4 |
|
Big chances created |
0.4 |
|
Duels won |
7.2 |
|
Tackles made |
3.2 |
|
Stats via FotMob |
|
However, without the ball, the potential new addition has also thrived, which could make him the perfect box-to-box option for Dyche at the heart of his Forest side.
He’s managed to win 7.2 duels per 90, whilst making 3.2 tackles per 90, with both tallies ranking him in the top 5% of all players in Serie A during the 2025/26 campaign.
At present, it’s unclear how likely a move for Frattesi is before the transfer deadline, but his experience at the top-level of European football could be vital in any chance of securing Europa League success.
The Italian has the skillset to allow him to thrive at either end of the pitch, which could provide the side with another talented asset in their hunt for Premier League survival.
As for Jesus, he would certainly benefit from any move, with the Brazilian potentially able to maintain his recent success in front of goal and even reach the next level in the process.
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