Nottingham Forest are now thought to be concerned over interest from Aston Villa in Brennan Johnson. Unai Emery’s men will be in the UEFA Conference League next season are in a rebuilding phase.
Villa came from nowhere to gatecrash the European spots last season. They were superb under the Spanish manager and there is optimism that they can kick on even further during 2023/24.
Emery is a proven winner when it comes to European football. He’s won the Europa League on four occasions and also saw his Arsenal side beaten in the 2018/19 final against Chelsea.
Johnson is apparently a wanted man this summer as Forest bid to keep him. He scored eight Premier League goals last season during his maiden season in the top-flight and now bigger clubs are monitoring his progress.
Brentford have already failed with a bid for the player. Their offer of around £30 million was rejected and it’s likely that it will take a bid of around £50 million for the player to be allowed to leave the City Ground.
MORE FOREST STORIES
Hopefully, it won’t come to that though. Johnson is a firm fan favourite having risen through the academy and he was instrumental as the Reds won promotion back to the Premier League during 2021/22.
It’s claimed by The Athletic that the interest from Villa is the most concerning of all. They have the money to part with £50 million and geographically it won’t cause Johnson too much upheaval.
Forest concerned over Villa interest in Johnson
It is perhaps concerning that Villa are showing interest in Forest star Johnson. However, there is still a sentiment that suggests the 22-year-old might want to remain at the City Ground.
As a Forest fan, Johnson will have been delighted and immensely proud to help his club secure Premier League survival. Now, the challenge for Forest is to show more ambition and keep him around.
Johnson has a decent first campaign in the Premier League with Forest – but there is more to come. Prior to the World Cup, he perhaps struggled a little bit, but after the tournament, he was on fire at one point.
Villa are going for it again this summer. Youri Tielemans has already been added to the ranks; whilst the club are in talks to sign Pau Torres from Villarreal during the transfer window.
Forest ace Johnson will naturally see Villa as a step up. The move would allow him to play European football and the Reds might have to fight tooth and nail to tempt him to stay at the City Ground next season.