Sports
Nottingham Forest to make significant bid for Napoli star Mathias Olivera
Nottingham Forest are poised to submit an offer for one Napoli star after making an approach today, according to reports out of Italy.
Sean Dyche‘s side are attempting to be busy this month, and reportedly have their eyes on a couple of big-name targets.
Forest have apparently intensified their January transfer efforts with renewed contact over Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi, while simultaneously attempting to hijack Aston Villa’s pursuit of Tammy Abraham.
Dyche and co are working on multiple fronts as they seek to bolster their squad for the second half of the campaign.
According to Sky Italia, Forest have been in talks with Frattesi’s entourage and currently remain the most interested party in the Inter midfielder.
The Italian broadcaster reports that new contacts between the clubs are expected as Forest try to unblock negotiations for the 26-year-old.
Nottingham Forest in talks to sign ‘skilful’ striker over Jorgen Strand Larsen
The Wolves star has been repeatedly linked.
However, the deal faces significant financial hurdles. Inter are demanding at least £32 million to allow Frattesi to leave in January (via Tribuna), a valuation that could prove problematic for Forest given their current league position and financial constraints.
As of now, no concrete or convincing offers have reached the Serie A giants.
The former Sassuolo midfielder has struggled for regular game time at the San Siro this season, finding opportunities limited and making just 16 appearances while scoring zero goals and finding just two assists.
Complicating matters further, Inter are reportedly keen to structure any potential deal to include Forest winger Dan Ndoye as part of a swap arrangement, though the Premier League side value the Swiss international highly following his £35m arrival last summer.
Beyond midfield reinforcements, Forest have now entered the race for striker Tammy Abraham.
Turkish reporter Ertan Süzgün revealed that Forest have indicated they can meet Abraham’s personal terms demands (via Football 365), representing a direct challenge to Villa’s pursuit of the former Chelsea forward.
However, Forest face an uphill battle securing Abraham’s signature.
According to journalist Tom Collomosse, Villa are Abraham’s first choice destination this month, despite interest and an approach from Forest.
The 28-year-old remains fondly remembered at Villa Park after his prolific 2018-19 loan spell, when he scored 26 goals to fire the club to Premier League promotion.
Dyche’s need for more creativity and a further striking option is glaring, but according to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, they’re also after a defender.
Nottingham Forest to make ‘significant’ bid for Mathias Olivera
According to Pedulla, there is a concrete possibility that the 1997-born defender could depart Naples this window, and Forest have made an in-depth approach ‘in the last few hours’.
Following this enquiry, the reporter states that the Tricky Trees could soon present a ‘significant’ offer to entice the Uruguay international to the City Ground.
The 28-year-old has grown frustrated with his limited playing time at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, prompting Forest to explore a potential January deal.
Olivera is seeking more consistent minutes, and Forest could soon make an official bid to test Napoli’s resolve.
Forest have identified defensive reinforcements as a priority this month, with Dyche keen to bolster his backline as the club battle to maintain their position in the Premier League.
The Uruguayan has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under Antonio Conte this season, making him open to exploring opportunities elsewhere.
Olivera joined Napoli from Getafe in 2022 and has made 118 appearances for the Serie A club, though his opportunities have become increasingly limited.
His versatility and experience at the highest level make him an attractive proposition for Forest as they seek to strengthen their full-back options, but Napoli are in a position to demand big money considering he’s tied down till 2030.
Nottingham Forest’s top January target is a striker who’s just like Wood
Nottingham Forest have identified a new leading candidate for the centre-forward position.
