Nottingham Forest made an ambitious move for Noah Okafor in the summer but now Arsenal are leading the chase. The Daily Mail has claimed that the Red Bull Salzburg player is now being lined up by the Gunners during the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old is on the shortlist at a number of clubs ahead of the summer. Tottenham and West Ham are two other clubs who fancy him and Forest are now likely to have missed their chance.
Okafor was one of the players mentioned when the Reds were trying to bolster their striker options. Forest ultimately went for other options instead but it was hard to knock their ambition.
The 22-year-old is one of the most talented young players in Europe. He has bagged 10 goals and claimed five assists this season, with a move to that top European club on the horizon.
Okafor typically plays as a centre-forward. His all-action style, however, would mean he could operate as a wide option as part of a front three.
The youngster has previously earned praise from Switzerland under-21 boss Mauro Lustrinelli. He called him ‘magnificent’ in 2021 and backed him to have an ‘extraordinary’ career.
Forest made move for Okafor but now he’s wanted by Arsenal
Clearly, the Reds were keen to sign Okafor during the summer but it was always a long shot. He’s now valued at around £25 million and that would be a snip for Arsenal.
The Gunners are on course to win the league title this season. They are going to be in the Champions League next season and that will surely tempt Okafor.
Forest shouldn’t stop scouting the market for talented youngsters though. Okafor might prove to be one that got away but if the Reds stay in the Premier League, they will be an attractive club for some young players to join next season.