AliousNottingham Forest’s pursuit of a striker this January has seen numerous twists and turns, and the latest rumors only add to the intrigue.
Initially, Forest were expected to reignite their interest in Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez as manager Nuno Espirito Santo sought reliable competition for Chris Wood.
However, the Gimenez links appeared to fade amid a flood of other attacking options being considered.
Forest were reportedly eyeing Brentford’s Yoane Wissa as an ambitious target backed by owner Evangelos Marinakis, while Petar Musa of FC Dallas emerged as a potential addition offering a similar profile to Wood.
Yet, it seems that Forest’s plans may hinge on the future of Taiwo Awoniyi, who has attracted interest from West Ham United.
While speculation suggested a potential sale, recent reports indicate that Forest are keen to retain Awoniyi, a player Espirito Santo values highly.
Despite this, Marinakis appears keen to avoid being caught off guard should a substantial bid arrive, which has led to links with another intriguing target.
Forest Target Inter Milan Wonderkid Francesco Pio Esposito
The latest name connected to Forest is Francesco Pio Esposito, an Inter Milan academy graduate and rising star who has also caught the attention of Manchester United and Leicester City.
With Chris Wood turning 33, Forest could benefit from injecting youth into their forward options, and Esposito, just 19 years old, offers plenty of promise.
According to *On the Minute*, Esposito is seen as a future investment rather than an immediate signing, with a January move unlikely.
The report notes that while the Italian striker remains contracted to Inter until 2027 and is expected to stay in Italy for now, a summer transfer could be a realistic possibility.
This timeline would give Forest the flexibility to assess Awoniyi’s situation and potentially bolster their squad for a European campaign should they qualify.
Esposito’s Rise and Potential Fit for Forest
Esposito has spent the past two seasons on loan at Serie B club Spezia, where he has developed his craft and shown considerable potential.
Standing at 6’2”, he shares a similar physical presence to Wood but boasts a skillset that could elevate Forest’s attack.
Esposito has excelled in aerial duels and shown an impressive ability to hit the target consistently.
Moreover, the young striker offers creativity that surpasses Wood’s, averaging 1.31 chances created per game compared to Wood’s 0.38.
These attributes suggest that Esposito could thrive in the Premier League, particularly under the guidance of an experienced player like Wood.
If Forest were to secure his signature, they’d not only gain a promising talent but also a long-term solution for their frontline.
While Esposito remains a target for the summer, his potential addition reflects Forest’s forward-thinking approach as they prepare for life beyond this transfer window.
Alious
