A report by Football Insider has claimed that Nottingham Forest have told Harry Arter is free to leave the club before Monday.
The midfielder only joined the club in September and has made 13 appearances for the Reds.
He’s featured in just one of the club’s last eight games – a 1-0 win over Preston North End – and could now be on his way out.
There is something, however, that makes this claim pretty bizarre.
Yesterday, during his pre-match press conference, Chris Hughton specifically mentioned the ex-Bournemouth man.
He told Nottinghamshire Live: “We’re looking at Harry Arter starting training with the team, or an introduction back to the team, on Monday.”
So quite why Hughton would tell the press such a thing when he has told him he’s free to find a new club is a mystery.
He made it pretty clear that he’s anticipating his inclusion again and right now, something doesn’t stack up with this link.
Arter leaving might not actually be a surprise had he not only signing permanent terms at the City Ground four months ago.
He’s looked woefully off the pace during his time at the club, with the settling in period taking far longer than anticipated.
Options
Another factor to consider is how short Forest are in midfield right now.
Jack Colback and Ryan Yates are both injured leaving Samba Sow and Cafu as the only likely options to play in tomorrow’s game.
Dan Gosling reportedly turned down a move to Forest yesterday and it seems unthinkable that one would be allowed to leave.
If this news does come to fruition you’d like to think the club has something up their sleeve with regards an incoming signing.
Forest are languishing 20th in the Championship and can ill-afford to leave themselves short of options going into the business end of the campaign.
The football club has done pretty well to rid the club of some of the deadwood this month.
Both Tendayi Darikwa and Zach Clough have departed and they represent sizeable wages off the budget.
Arter is possibly one of the higher earning players at Forest but losing him this month would have to be seen as a risk given the team’s current predicament.
If Hughton’s comments are anything to go by, this latest report might be one to take with a pinch of salt.
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