AliousAs Nottingham Forest prepare for the upcoming January transfer window, one key area demanding attention is their frontline. Despite efforts to secure a striker during the summer, the Reds were unable to strengthen their attacking ranks, leaving head coach Nuno Espirito Santo with limited options. Currently, Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi serve as the only natural forwards in the squad.
Wood has been in excellent form, finding the net consistently. However, Awoniyi is still working to regain full match fitness, underlining the need for reinforcements. Bringing in an additional forward in January would not only enhance Nuno’s tactical flexibility but also alleviate some of the burden on the existing duo.
In anticipation of the window, Forest have already been linked with several attacking prospects. Here’s an overview of some of the strikers reportedly on their radar:
### Yuri Alberto
The 23-year-old Corinthians striker has reportedly expressed a strong desire to play in the Premier League, putting Forest and several other English clubs on alert. Recent reports suggest the Reds are preparing a £19 million bid for the Brazilian talent. However, competition is fierce, with West Ham, Everton, Newcastle United, and Brentford also linked, alongside Wolves and Southampton, who have reignited interest from earlier this year.
Corinthians’ stance on Alberto remains uncertain. While some sources indicate the club may entertain offers, their chief, Augusto Melo, has publicly insisted the striker is not for sale.
### Igor Jesus
Botafogo’s Igor Jesus is another Brazilian striker attracting Forest’s attention. The 23-year-old has garnered significant interest from multiple Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Brighton, West Ham, and Fulham. Forest are reportedly stepping up their scouting efforts, but signing him won’t come cheap—a reported £30 million valuation could deter some suitors.
### Mathys Tel
The Bayern Munich youngster is a versatile attacker capable of playing as a winger, attacking midfielder, or center forward. Despite his promise, Tel faces stiff competition for game time at Bayern, including from Harry Kane, leading to speculation about a potential January loan move. Forest are not the only ones monitoring the situation, as several Premier League and Bundesliga clubs, such as Werder Bremen and Borussia Mönchengladbach, are also keen.
### Luca Koleosho
Burnley’s Luca Koleosho is another name on Forest’s wishlist. The 20-year-old attacker, who joined the Clarets from Espanyol for £2.6 million in 2023, can operate as a forward or left winger. Forest reportedly sent scouts to watch him earlier this season. However, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Brighton, and Crystal Palace are also rumored to be interested.
### What’s Next for Forest?
With these targets identified, Nottingham Forest must navigate a competitive transfer market to secure their ideal forward. Whether it’s Alberto’s raw talent, Jesus’ prolific potential, Tel’s versatility, or Koleosho’s youthful promise, any of these additions would bolster Nuno Espirito Santo’s options as the Reds aim to solidify their position in the Premier League table.
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