Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest

Premier League • England

Nottingham Forest to offer Chelsea midfielder timely escape route, as Neal Maupay verges on Brighton switch

Brighton striker Neal Maupay

The finer details of Nottingham Forest’s imminent capture of Neal Maupay have emerged, while Steve Cooper’s side have also opened talks with a Chelsea outcast who’s in a difficult position, per reports.

The writing was on the wall for Maupay once Deniz Undav signed in January. The German striker was loaned back to Belgian side Union SG for the remainder of the campaign. However, he is now firmly a part of Graham Potter’s plans.

With Danny Welbeck the undisputed No 1 in a team that plays with a sole striker and Undav now chief back-up, Maupay’s time on the south coast was drawing near.

Free spending Forest sensed an opportunity and per the Athletic, forged a verbal agreement with Brighton on Friday.

A permanent move for the 26-year-old is on the agenda and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has shed light on the finer details.

He tweeted the total package including add-ons will be worth around £15m. That means the Seagulls will incur a slight loss on the reported £20m they paid Brentford in 2019.

The finishing touches are still being discussed with Brighton, though once ironed out, a four-year deal running until 2026 will be penned.

Maupay will join a heavily revamped forward line that has already seen the additions of Taiwo Awoniyi and Emmanuel Dennis.

That could wrap up their business in the final third, though Football Italia put Forest in the mix for more midfield reinforcements.

Maupay to be joined by Chelsea midfielder?

Citing Italian outlet Calciomercato, it’s reported Nottingham Forest have ‘reopened talks’ with AC Milan regarding Chelsea loanee, Tiemoue Bakayoko.

The 27-year-old holding midfielder moved to the San Siro on a two-year loan last summer. The deal contains a conditional obligation to buy next summer, believed to be based around an appearance target. However, Milan don’t want to trigger it.

Bakayoko struggled last season and by all accounts, Milan would gladly cut the loan deal short a season early if they can.

A return to the Premier League may be the change of scenery he requires and Forest are sniffing an opportunity.

They’re reportedly in discussions with both Milan and Bakayoko’s camp. From the player’s perspective, he’s stated to be ‘keen’ on leaving Milan after a difficult year.

Little else is known about the proposed move at present, such as whether a loan or permanent deal is being pursued.

Regardless, Calciomercato conclude more concrete news should emerge later this week.

Nottingham Forest showing no signs of stopping

Forest have already splashed out over £100m on 13 permanent deals for their first-team. Dean Henderson has also arrived via the loan route and helped earn their first three points on Sunday with a fantastic goalkeeping display that included a penalty save.

Cooper’s side are performing a widescale revamp, though there is reason behind their approach.

Forest relied heavily on loan players last season with five of their regular starters loanees.

All five including the likes of James Garner and Djed Spence either returned to their parent club or moved elsewhere. What’s more, Premier League clubs are limited to just two loan signings.

The mass of new faces does look excessive. However, many of their arrivals are Premier League-proven or have points to prove.

The key for Cooper will be ensuring he gets them on the same wavelength as soon as possible.