Ambition is key for Nottingham Forest this summer in an attempt to maintain the momentum of European qualification, something that would be significantly aided by signing one Arsenal target.
Evangelos Marinakis planned to be ambitious in the transfer market to help keep the Reds in the mix for European football consistently.
This plan was clearly on show when Morgan Gibbs-White signed a new contract, with the Reds beating off major interest from Tottenham to keep hold of their top star.
Dan Ndoye’s arrival at Forest was also a signal of intent, but if the club are able to beat Arsenal to one target, it would represent the clearest signal of Forest’s plans to remain at the top end of the Premier League table.
Nottingham Forest enter race to sign Ademola Lookman
Even with Ndoye’s arrival, Forest could do with more quality options out wide to improve on the departed Ramon Sosa and Sporting-bound Jota Silva.
According to The Sun, the Reds aren’t just looking for a backup player, though, with Atalanta’s electric forward Ademola Lookman reportedly targeted in an ambitious swoop.
The report said: “Nottingham Forest have emerged as surprise candidates for Ademola Lookman’s next club after his public spat with Atalanta’s administration put clubs around Europe on high alert.
“[…] His formal handing in of a transfer request seemed to provide a boost for Arsenal, who have been monitoring the English attacker as an alternative to Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.
“But now Forest have stepped into the ring as they look to bolster their forward depth ahead of their upcoming European campaign.”
Atalanta’s asking price for Lookman has remained at £45m throughout the summer in what would be a club-record purchase for Forest, but one that may well be worth it for an attacker who scored 20 goals last season.
However, Edu will have to act fast if he’s to secure the Nigerian international, as a long-rumoured move to Inter Milan remains a distinct possibility.
Inter Milan remain favourites to sign Ademola Lookman
Lookman has handed in a transfer request at Atalanta after the Italian side remained steadfast in their demand of £45m for the 27-year-old, despite Inter getting increasingly closer to the valuation in rejected bids.
However, according to The Guardian, Inter aren’t finished with their interest in Lookman, and could well match the asking price imminently.
The report said: “Inter are expected to return with a bid that matches Atalanta’s €50m valuation after Lookman again failed to attend a scheduled individual training session at his club’s training ground in Zingonia.”
Forest’s only hope is that Atalanta are actively refusing to sell to a rival club in Serie A, so if Marinakis were to have a bid accepted at the asking price, he would at least have the opportunity to try and persuade the former Everton man to return to the Premier League.
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