Alious
The summer transfer window could bring significant change for Nottingham Forest, with the future of star midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White still up in the air. The club’s influential playmaker has become a prized asset following another standout Premier League campaign, and interest from Manchester City had cast serious doubt over his continued stay at the City Ground.
Gibbs-White, who arrived from Wolves in a 2022 deal worth an initial £25 million, has since become central to Forest’s attack. His performances have been instrumental in keeping the Reds competitive in the top flight, and his creativity and flair have not gone unnoticed — particularly by reigning champions Manchester City, who are believed to be in the market for a successor to Kevin De Bruyne.
Losing a player of Gibbs-White’s calibre would certainly be a blow for Forest. However, recent developments may offer a glimmer of hope. According to *The Telegraph*, City are now turning their attention toward Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, with plans to launch a move for the French starlet once the window opens. Cherki, also an attacking midfielder, is viewed as a potential cost-effective option — one that may divert City’s focus away from Gibbs-White.
Given Forest’s hefty valuation of their number 10 — reportedly around £70 million — and speculation that the club might demand even more or request a player swap in return, City’s shift toward Cherki could significantly reduce the pressure on Forest.
There have been murmurs that Forest may be interested in Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes or James McAtee as part of any potential deal. Still, the idea of keeping Gibbs-White remains the ideal scenario for the East Midlands side. The 2024/25 season saw the England international once again at the heart of Forest’s best moments, underlining just how vital he is to their ambitions.
While City’s interest had caused concern among Forest fans, their emerging pursuit of Cherki may signal a reprieve. If the Manchester club moves forward with the Lyon playmaker instead, Forest could have a real chance of holding on to their prized asset — at least for another season. This potential development could allow club owner Evangelos Marinakis and manager Nuno Espirito Santo to build further around Gibbs-White rather than plan for life without him.
Alious
