AliousNottingham Forest’s ambitions of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League—or even launching an unlikely title challenge—may have suffered a major setback following their crushing 5-0 defeat to Bournemouth. However, manager Nuno Espírito Santo remains determined to strengthen his squad in the final days of the January transfer window.
A new striker remains Forest’s top priority, with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Wolves’ Matheus Cunha both linked to the club. A Brazilian forward has also emerged as a potential target, but progress in securing reinforcements has proven challenging. As the February 3 deadline approaches, Forest’s search for attacking reinforcements continues.
### **Striker Hunt Faces Obstacles**
Forest are eager to add another forward to ease the burden on Chris Wood, but negotiations have been difficult. The club’s £22m bid for Wissa was rejected by Brentford, forcing them to explore alternative options.
Cunha has emerged as a possible target after his contract talks at Wolves hit a standstill, with manager Vítor Pereira publicly criticizing his attitude. Despite Forest’s interest—and reports from Sky Sports suggesting they were preparing a bid—Wolves insist the Brazilian is not for sale, and negotiations have not advanced.
As uncertainty looms over Cunha, Forest turned their attention to 23-year-old Brazilian striker Igor Jesus, who currently plays for Copa Libertadores champions Botafogo. The club reportedly submitted a £25m offer, which Botafogo were willing to accept. However, Jesus declined the opportunity to move to England, preferring to continue his career in Brazil. While Forest could make another attempt to persuade him, none of their main striker targets appear close to joining.
### **Baena Interest Fades as Ex-Spurs Winger Becomes an Option**
Forest were previously linked with Villarreal’s Álex Baena, with reports suggesting the club was considering triggering his £51m release clause. However, discussions around the Spanish international have gone quiet, with suggestions that he may be on the verge of joining Atlético Madrid instead.
With Baena seemingly off the table, Forest are now reportedly eyeing Sporting CP winger Marcus Edwards. The 25-year-old, who came through Tottenham Hotspur’s academy, was a key player in Sporting’s title-winning campaign last season, scoring six goals in 44 appearances. However, he has since fallen out of favor and could be available for a bargain price. Portuguese outlet *A Bola* claims that Sporting would accept a bid of just £8.4m (€10m), making him an attractive option for Forest.
### **Awoniyi Likely to Stay, but Exits Expected**
While speculation had linked Taiwo Awoniyi with a move to West Ham, it now appears that the Nigerian striker will remain at the City Ground. West Ham have shifted their focus to other targets, and Awoniyi himself has expressed his desire to stay and help Forest in their push for a top-four finish. However, a last-minute bid from West Ham could still materialize if their other negotiations break down.
Meanwhile, outgoings are expected before the deadline. Midfielder Lewis O’Brien is attracting interest from multiple Championship clubs, while defender Andrew Omobamidele is also likely to depart before the window closes.
With time running out, Forest are scrambling to finalize their transfer business, but securing reinforcements remains a tough challenge.
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