Nottingham Forest are looking to find more reliable competition for Chris Wood up front in January, with a name linked in the summer set to remain in the mix.
Forest are looking for a striker as one of three January signings in the window, clearly to offer an alternative to the prolific Wood in the Forest squad.
After Jamie Carragher named Wood in his team of the season so far, the Kiwi international can be confident that his position in Nuno Espirito Santo’s side is safe, especially given that Forest have offered Wood a new contract.
Any new striker would have to be willing to accept a squad role under Espirito Santo, therefore, with Evan Ferguson linked to Forest as a potential deputy to Wood.
However, a recent report has suggested that one of Evangelos Marinakis’ summer targets remains high up on the wish list, with Forest set to rival Arsenal for his signature.
Nottingham Forest will return again for Santiago Gimenez
According to journalist Oscar Mendoza, Forest have not given up on their pursuit of Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez from Feyenoord.
Forest were linked with Gimenez throughout the summer window but a deal was never completed, leaving Marinakis ready to return for the Mexican in January.
Mendoza said: “They [Forest] will try again, although right now they see him [Gimenez] as a backup for Chris Wood.
“They want to increase their squad depth with a view to qualifying for European competition.”
Forest’s return for Gimenez is bizarre, given that Gimenez rejected Forest due to the role offered which won’t change whilst Wood remains at the City Ground.
If Forest are to qualify for European competition, though, a player like Gimenez who has experience at that level would be crucial, so news of Arsenal’s interest in the forward will concern Marinakis and Espirito Santo.
Arsenal are also keen on Santiago Gimenez
Alongside Forest’s reported interest, Mexican journalist Julio Rodriguez has claimed that Premier League giants Arsenal and Italian club AC Milan are considering a move for Gimenez.
Rodriguez said: “Arsenal and AC Milan are two of the clubs from the old continent that are reportedly after the services of the Mexican attacker.”
Given this interest, Forest will have to offer Gimenez a more important role in the squad to combat the allure of a move to Arsenal.
Gimenez has been made available in January, so the right discussions could see Forest land their top target but they must be wary that a bit-part role behind Wood wont be enough to convince the Mexican.
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