Nottingham Forest’s ambitions in the transfer market are currently being hindered by one significant obstacle: the uncertainty surrounding their potential qualification for European competition, most notably the UEFA Champions League. This lack of clarity is proving to be a stumbling block as the club attempts to attract top-level talent to the City Ground this summer. In contrast, rivals like Arsenal—whose European credentials are far more stable—have been able to act more decisively, gaining an early edge in the pursuit of key transfer targets.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo and his recruitment team have already begun scouting potential signings in various positions, but their efforts have yielded limited success so far. One major setback came when Italian defender Federico Gatti, a primary defensive target from Juventus, turned down the opportunity to join Forest. The rejection has left the club reassessing its defensive options as they continue to plan for next season.
Interestingly, Forest’s interest in Juventus players doesn’t stop there. The club is also reportedly keeping close tabs on Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz, a dynamic and physical presence in midfield, as they consider potential summer reinforcements. However, while defensive and midfield upgrades are certainly on the agenda, there is a growing consensus within the club that the most pressing area of concern lies further up the pitch.
Club owner Evangelos Marinakis is understood to be prioritising the signing of a new striker this summer, recognizing the need for a consistent goal threat to bolster Forest’s attacking output. That said, the club’s recruitment strategy also involves exploring creative attacking talents who can contribute goals and assists from wider positions. One such player is Sporting CP’s Francisco Trincao—a name that has recently attracted significant interest from Premier League heavyweights.
According to an earlier report from On the Minute in April, Nottingham Forest have been tracking Trincao, who has registered an impressive 15 assists for the Portuguese side this season. The 24-year-old winger has re-emerged as a top attacking talent in the Primeira Liga and appears to have found the form that initially earned him a move to Barcelona earlier in his career. However, Forest are not alone in their admiration. Arsenal and Manchester United are also believed to be monitoring the situation closely, with the Gunners reportedly making the first concrete moves.
A recent front-page report in Portuguese newspaper Record, relayed by Metro, claims that Arsenal are now leading the race for Trincao’s signature. The article states that Arsenal are one of three Premier League clubs to have entered into early talks over a potential deal, but what sets them apart is the thoroughness of their scouting process. Mikel Arteta’s side have reportedly watched Trincao “extensively” this season, showing a high level of intent and belief in the player’s ability to adapt to English football once again.
This development puts Forest in a difficult position. Their current attacking options are struggling to make an impact, with striker Taiwo Awoniyi recently facing criticism from fans after a disappointing display in the loss to Brentford. With goals hard to come by, a technically gifted winger like Trincao could bring much-needed creativity and spark to Forest’s attack—especially considering his ability to both create and score.
Still, some fans may be cautious given Trincao’s previous stint in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers. During his time at Wolves, he struggled to consistently influence matches and only managed three goals across all competitions. Yet, his performances this season with Sporting suggest a player revitalized, and perhaps one more prepared for a second shot in English football.
Interestingly, Trincao has already left an impression on Nottingham Forest supporters—albeit for the wrong reasons. In a Carabao Cup clash at the City Ground a few seasons ago, he scored the third goal in a 4-0 rout as Wolves dismantled Forest, who were then a Championship side under the early guidance of Steve Cooper. That bitter defeat may still sting, but it also offered a glimpse of Trincao’s capabilities on English soil.
Now, the question is whether Evangelos Marinakis and Nottingham Forest can muster the financial and sporting pull to challenge Arsenal in the pursuit of the Portuguese winger. If they can offer a compelling project and perhaps secure European qualification before the transfer window closes, they might just turn the tables in this transfer race.
In any case, this summer will be crucial for Forest—not just in terms of new signings, but in sending a message about their ambitions and their place among England’s top-tier clubs.
