Of late, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal have done business on several occasions, most recently when sending Nuno Tavares on loan to the City Ground last season.
Matt Turner also made the switch from Arsenal to Forest last summer, a deal which has ultimately been just as unsuccessful as Tavares’ short stay in Nottingham.
However, this summer it appears that Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are aiming a little higher, hoping to add a final bit of quality to their squad before the window closes.
Interestingly, Arsenal have been linked with Morgan Gibbs-White this summer, but there currently seems very little chance that the midfielder will swap clubs any time soon.
The Englishman, who appeared disappointed not to be involved in the Euros for his country this summer, is incredibly committed to this Forest project.
That being said, it’s another English talent who missed out Gareth Southgate’s squad that Forest are now targeting: Eddie Nketiah.
And according to journalist David Ornstein who shared his update via The Athletic, it seems as if Forest have now made significant progress.
Forest getting closer to a total agreement to sign Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal
Ornstein shared a report stating that Forest are now close to agreeing a fee with Arsenal for Nketiah, and talks about personal terms are also underway.
Forest initially bid £25m for Nketiah earlier this week, but it now appears as if Nuno’s side are getting closer to Arsenal’s £30-£35m valuation.
Forest are also thought to be bidding for Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez right now according to reports, another exciting talent, but perhaps Nketiah is prevailing as number one choice.
Nketiah had been ready to join French side Olympique Marseille earlier this summer, but talks fell through when Arsenal refused to compromise on their price tag.
Arsenal have been criticised by some of their supporters for not recouping the right fees when selling players over the past few summers, and it now seems as if the club are putting their foot down.
Nketiah is currently third choice behind Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus in north London – a role not befitting a player of his quality.
And given that Forest currently have Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi at their disposal at the City Ground, it would be interesting to see if either moved on in the case of Nketiah arriving.
