Nottingham Forest are now leading the race for a “world-class” player, with Edu Gaspar driving the move, having previously tried to sign him for Arsenal, according to a report.
Forest eyeing new midfielder after securing Gibbs-White’s future
Chris Wood has recently made it clear just how important it was to secure Morgan Gibbs-White’s future this summer, with the striker saying: “It feels like a top-class signing, keeping him here and doing well for our team. He would have been a hard man to replace,
“He’s a top-class talent and an England international. That type of talent doesn’t come around too often, so everyone from the manager to the owner has done fantastically well to keep him.”
However, having cashed in on Danilo and Lewis O’Brien already this summer, there may be room for Nuno Espirito Santo to bring in another midfielder before the transfer window slams shut, and Forest have set their sights on a former Premier League player.
Indeed, earlier this week it was revealed the Tricky Trees have now agreed personal terms with Juventus’ Douglas Luiz, formerly of Aston Villa, with a transfer fee currently in the process of being negotiated.
There has now been a new update on Forest’s pursuit of Luiz, with a report from Italy revealing they are leading the race for the Juventus maestro, who is valued at €40m (£35m) by the Italian club.
Edu is said to be the driving force behind the deal, having previously tried to sign the central midfielder for Arsenal, and developments are expected soon, with Nuno’s side ahead of the rival suitors in the race for his signature.
The Juventus ace struggled in the 2024-25 campaign, but his previous exploits in the Premier League suggest he could be a fantastic signing for Forest…
Luiz could be “world-class” addition to Nuno’s squad
The former Villa man hasn’t set the world alight since moving to Italy, but he was held in very high regard by ex-teammate John McGinn during his previous stint in England, with the Scotland international lauding him as “world-class”.
That description is certainly bold, but it is arguably backed up by the numbers, with Statman Dave providing an overview of just how impressive the Brazilian was during the 2023-24 Premier League campaign.
The Rio de Janeiro-born midfielder was a real difference-maker for Villa in their pursuit of Champions League football, indicating that he could have a similar impact at the City Ground.
As such, it is exciting news that Forest are now leading the race for the 27-year-old, who could form a formidable partnership with Gibbs-White in midfield.
