Nottingham Forest will explore a move for Yoane Wissa, the Brentford forward, if Taiwo Awoniyi leaves City Ground during the January transfer window.

Wissa has emerged as a leading target for Forest, with Arsenal also understood to have added the DR Congo international to their list of striker targets.

The 28-year-old has scored 12 goals in all competitions for Brentford this season, with his latest strike coming against Manchester City on Tuesday night.

With Awoniyi’s future uncertain as interest grows from West Ham United, Wissa is a genuine target for Forest. Arsenal are also admirers of Wissa, who appeals to both clubs as a forward who can play all across the front three.

Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, has confirmed that the club are in the market for a new striker after injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.

Wissa moved to Brentford in August 2021 after an £8.5 million move from French club Lorient.

Nuno Espirito Santo has guided Forest to third place this season and a forward is their first-choice target in the January window if Awoniyi leaves the club.

“The transfer window in January is very difficult to operate in, and one of the things we are sure on is that we have a good squad,” Nuno said.

“We have good options and we have healthy players – this is not an if, this is a reality.”

Forest are also open to potential outgoings, with Republic of Ireland international Andrew Omobamidele attracting interest from England and overseas.

Leeds and Sheffield United are both admirers of the centre-back, who has not appeared in the league this season.

Emmanuel Dennis, the £12 million signing from Watford, is expected to leave this month after being left out of Nuno’s 25-man squad.

Forest are not expecting any more departures, and have no plans to offload defender Harry Toffolo.

Contract talks are ongoing with leading scorer Chris Wood and Ola Aina, while club owner Evangelos Marinakis is driving negotiations with Brazilian defender Murillo over a new deal.

Forest held league leaders Liverpool to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday night, and it is understood there was frustration at the result among the club hierarchy.

Though Forest have taken four points off Liverpool this season, senior figures felt that disappointment over a draw underlines the club’s winning mentality as they aim for a top-four finish.

Forest return to league action on Sunday afternoon with the visit of bottom club Southampton.