Nottingham Forest made significant efforts to secure a new forward during the January transfer window, with owner Evangelos Marinakis determined to bolster the squad’s attacking options.
With only Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi available for the remainder of the season, the club’s lack of depth in the striker position has raised concerns about their ability to cope with potential injuries or fatigue.
One of Forest’s primary targets was Brentford’s Yoane Wissa. The Reds submitted multiple bids for the forward, but Brentford remained adamant about keeping him, rejecting all offers.
Wissa is valued at around £40 million, and the Bees were unwilling to entertain any discussions about his departure during the winter window.
Another name on Forest’s radar was Igor Jesus of Botafogo. Arsenal also showed interest in the Brazilian striker, but a loan bid from Forest was turned down. Jesus ultimately decided to remain with the reigning Brazilian champions until the summer, when he is expected to make a move to Europe.
Forest were also loosely linked with Matheus Cunha of Wolves. However, not only did Cunha stay put at Molineux, but he also signed a new contract that includes a £62.5 million release clause, set to become active in the summer transfer window.
Matheus Cunha update emerges with Aston Villa, Forest, and Arsenal keen
Forest may now face an uphill battle to sign Cunha, despite midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White endorsing the potential arrival of the Brazilian. Cunha’s impressive form this season has attracted interest from larger, more established clubs, and he may prioritize a move to one of them over a switch to the City Ground.
Ben Jacobs, speaking to Give Me Sport, discussed Cunha’s future and suggested that a deal could still be possible in the summer. He indicated that suitors like Arsenal, Aston Villa, and others might not need to trigger the release clause outright but could negotiate a deal around that figure.
Jacobs claimed: “I think that suitors are looking at Cunha – whether it’s Arsenal or Aston Villa or others – they will feel that regardless of Wolves going down or staying up, there’s a deal there to be had in the summer.
“And that may not necessarily be specifically by triggering the release clause. They may be able to work around its ballpark to get a slightly more preferable deal.”
What Clinton Morrison said about Matheus Cunha
Former striker Clinton Morrison, whose children once played in Forest’s academy, has been vocal in his admiration for Cunha. Following a standout performance and a stunning goal against Blackburn in the FA Cup, Morrison heaped praise on the Wolves forward.
He said on Sky Sports: “He’s outstanding, there’s a lot of top teams looking at him and in the summer he will still move on. He has the X-Factor, he can drop into pockets and he scores plenty of goals. He could play for one of the top, top teams.”
Cunha has been in exceptional form this season, scoring 12 goals in 24 Premier League appearances, including a recent strike against Liverpool. His performances have solidified his reputation as one of the league’s most exciting talents, and it seems inevitable that he will attract interest from top clubs in the summer.
Forest are expected to continue their pursuit of a new forward ahead of the next season. Qualifying for European football could enhance their appeal, and Cunha remains a player who fits the profile of what the Reds are looking for. However, competition for his signature is likely to be fierce.
