AliousNottingham Forest are on the hunt for a striker this January as they seek to add competition to their forward line, currently led by the in-form Chris Wood.
Wood has been a standout performer, earning praise—and even a new nickname—from Shay Given after scoring an impressive 12 goals in the first half of the season.
However, with Taiwo Awoniyi struggling to find the net so far this term, Forest are eager to bring in another dependable goal-scorer.
Forest Linked with 25-Goal Igor Jesus as Arsenal’s Approach Fails
While Corinthians’ Yuri Alberto remains on the radar, securing his signature before the transfer window closes could be a complex task. However, Forest may have another promising option in Brazil: Igor Jesus.
According to **RTI Esporte**, Arsenal recently attempted to loan Jesus to bolster their squad amidst Bukayo Saka’s injury concerns.
Yet, Botafogo—fresh off their Brazilian championship-winning campaign—rejected the loan proposal outright, insisting they are only interested in permanent deals.
This opens the door for Forest, as Botafogo are reportedly willing to entertain permanent offers for the 23-year-old striker, who is valued at approximately £18 million.
Jesus’ credentials are hard to ignore—he netted 25 goals and provided nine assists during the 2023/24 season, making him one of Brazil’s hottest talents.
Potential Shift in Forest’s Striking Options
Should Forest succeed in signing Jesus, it could spell the end of Taiwo Awoniyi’s time at the club.
Awoniyi has struggled to replicate his earlier form, and Forest are reportedly open to letting him move on if they secure a suitable replacement.
Jesus, with his strong scoring record and growing confidence, seems to align perfectly with Forest’s requirements.
Adding him to the squad would not only enhance the team’s attacking threat but also signal the club’s ambition to remain competitive in the Premier League.
Will Forest Make the Move?
While the reported £18 million fee represents significant investment, Jesus’ talent and potential make him an appealing prospect.
Whether Nottingham Forest are prepared to meet Botafogo’s valuation remains uncertain, but landing a striker of Jesus’ caliber could prove to be a game-changer for their season.
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