Nottingham Forest have submitted a formal proposal to sign midfielder Wilmar Barrios but they will have to up the ante. The Reds are desperate to sign some new players before they play Arsenal next weekend.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Reds are stepping up their efforts by bidding for the Colombian. The bid is thought to be around £3 million but the player is valued at £13 million.
With that in mind, Forest will need to up their offer if they’re to tempt Zenit Saint-Petersburg into a sale before the transfer window closes next month.
The 29-year-old has been with the Russian outfit since 2019. He signed from Argentinian outfit Boca Juniors and he’s made 153 appearances for his current club.
Barrios operates in the defensive midfield role. Back in 2018, a profile by a South American football website called him a ‘warrior’, bigging up the role he performed in the Boca team.
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The player could leave Zenit this month. He has a contract with the club until 2026 and as a result, they will be holding out for their full valuation from any interested parties.
Barrios has 54 caps for his country. He’s also scored a single goal and it seems clear that he’s a very important player on the international stage.
Forest submit bid for Barrios but it’s way short
Zenit won’t be giving in to the finances of a top European league. They have every right to ask for the full £13 million for a player who is considered very important.
Forest are hoping to move on a few midfielders this month. Remo Freuler and Cheikhou Kouyate are two who have been linked with moves and that will free up some room in the squad.
Ibrahim Sangare has been the primary target all summer long. However, it’s looking unlikely that he will sign given that PSG are also keen on adding him to their ranks.
Rumour rating: 5/10 – We’re not sure about this one. Barrios is 29 and for someone in his position that is perhaps a little old.
Sangare would be more suited to the Forest system. It would seem, however, as though Barrios is an alternative that the Reds are willing to consider.
At this stage, anyone would do really. Forest desperately need a lift and at £13 million, Barrios wouldn’t break the bank.