AliousAfter failing to secure Yoane Wissa in the January window, Nottingham Forest have shifted their focus toward a different Premier League striker who has been enjoying a rich vein of form in recent weeks.
Despite a commanding seven-goal display against Brighton & Hove Albion suggesting their attack might be more than adequate, the club remains mindful of Chris Wood’s advancing years. At 33, the New Zealand forward has been prolific—netting 17 Premier League goals this season—even though his age raises questions about how much longer he can sustain this level of performance.
Forest clearly recognize this and had already eyed potential replacements for Wood during January, having attempted to sign both Matheus Cunha and Brentford’s Wissa.
Although neither move came to fruition, the club’s intention to bolster their attacking options remains strong as the summer transfer window looms.
Meanwhile, Forest managed to add a new dimension to their squad on deadline day by loaning young talent Joel Ndala from Manchester City, a strategic move orchestrated by manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
Welcoming the forward, Head of Football Development & Talent Management Craig Mulholland expressed his enthusiasm on the club’s website, highlighting that the recruitment team had been tracking Ndala’s progress for some time.
This signing is seen as a short-term solution, buying time until a more permanent fix can be arranged over the summer.
Adding to the transfer chatter, analyst Graeme Bailey from The Boot Room reports that Nottingham Forest are now in a heated battle to secure Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The Crystal Palace striker is currently weighing his options amid contract discussions, and with both Wissa and Cunha off the table, Mateta stands out as a promising candidate to eventually replace Wood.
Mateta has dispelled any doubts about his previous season being a one-off by following up a 16-goal campaign with another 10 in the current season, igniting speculation about his potential to compete in Champions League football.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who recently praised Mateta after a well-timed brace in a win over Manchester United, emphasized the striker’s ability to make decisive runs into the box and consistently deliver the goals that can change the course of a game.
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