Key Nottingham Forest target identified as transfer dominoes could spark January swoop
Nottingham Forest are said to have their eye on Brentford striker Yoane Wissa as they target attacking reinforcements this month.
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has strength in depth in most departments as the third-placed Reds look to maintain their impressive form in the Premier League. However, up front is one area of the pitch Forest could do with bolstering their resources.
The Telegraph report the Reds “will explore a move” for Wissa, if front man Taiwo Awoniyi departs the City Ground before the February 3 deadline. Nigeria international Awoniyi is the subject of interest from West Ham United and is yet to really get going this season.
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It is said Wissa is a “genuine target” for Forest as a potential replacement for Awoniyi. Arsenal also have the Bees ace on their target list for the winter window.
Wissa has bagged 12 goals in 22 appearances in all competitions for Brentford so far this season. He joined the club from French outfit Lorient in 2021 for a reported £8.5 million.
Earlier this week, Forest boss Nuno confirmed the club are “in the market” for new additions. However, he is wary about the possibility of disrupting a tight-knit dressing room and the momentum his team have built up. Any potential signings will therefore be considered very carefully, with a focus on their characteristics as much as their quality.
“We are in the market, that’s not an if,” Nuno said. “But the transfer window in January is very difficult to operate in, and we are aware of that.
“One of the things we are sure about - and it’s not an if - is that we have a good squad. We have good options and healthy players - Danilo is coming along and Ibrahim (Sangare) is closer to returning.
“This is not an if, this is a reality, we have a good squad. This is what we have to focus on, our players and how we want to continue in the competition. No matter what happens the ones that are here are the ones that are going to solve the problems.”
Awoniyi scored his first goal of the campaign in the Reds’ 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this month. With Chris Wood first-choice striker, Awoniyi has generally had to settle for a place on the bench and has struggled for minutes as he tries to find form.
