Alious“Forest’s £57k-a-Week Offer Rejected by Italy Star as Defensive Crisis Looms”
As Nottingham Forest lick their wounds from a humbling display against Brentford, attention quickly turns to defensive reinforcements—particularly after key centre-backs Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo both endured unusually poor performances. The duo, normally reliable under Nuno Espirito Santo, struggled under pressure, prompting concern among fans and sparking fresh discussions about the team’s depth ahead of potential European commitments.
Despite having placed a world-record valuation on Murillo to fend off suitors and witnessing Milenkovic earn high-profile comparisons to Arsenal’s William Saliba, Forest’s vulnerabilities were glaring in Thursday night’s loss. While other defensive options like Morato have yet to fully convince, Forest appeared ready to make a splash in the market—starting with a bold move for Juventus centre-back Federico Gatti.
Gatti, a rising star in the Italian national team, seemed an ideal candidate to bolster Forest’s backline. The club reportedly put forward a lucrative five-year contract worth around £57,000 per week—significantly more than the £40,000 per week he currently earns in Turin. However, according to *TuttoSport*, Gatti chose loyalty over cash, opting to remain at Juventus despite the substantial wage bump on offer from England.
This setback leaves Forest reconsidering their options, but there’s still hope closer to home. The club may turn inward to reinforce their defence, with academy product Zach Abbott emerging as a promising option. His surprise inclusion in the FA Cup semi-final caught attention, and Espirito Santo is said to be impressed by the youngster’s poise.
Also returning to the fold is Tyler Bindon, a Kiwi international touted as one to watch after a strong spell at Reading. With both Abbott and Bindon set for evaluation in pre-season, Forest may already have the defensive depth they need—particularly if the focus shifts to signing a striker this summer.
In hindsight, Gatti’s rejection might be a blessing in disguise. With young talent waiting in the wings and budget priorities leaning toward the attack, Forest could find the answers they need without spending big on the back line.
Alious
