Nottingham Forest’s full-back chase is stepping up with the Premier League outfit in ‘advanced talks’ with Monaco’s Ismail Jakobs and Andrea Cambiaso potentially on the way out of Juventus.
With Omar Richards returning after missing the entirety of last season through injury, with Renan Lodi gone and with Harry Toffolo facing a potential ban for breaking the FA’s betting rules (The Guardian), a new left-back is a top priority for Steve Cooper two weeks from the advent of a new Premier League season.
Ismail Jakobs appears the most likely addition.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Nottingham Forest are rapidly closing in on a player who made his name at Koln in the Bundesliga before sealing a £5.5 million move to the Principality in 2021.
“Understand Nottingham Forest are now in advanced talks to sign Ismail Jakobs as new left back,” Romano writes on Twitter. Or is it ‘X’ these days?
“The player is keen on the move. Negotiations are advancing on the club’s side with AS Monaco to reach an agreement soon.”
Nottingham Forest in Ismail Jakobs talks with Monaco
The jet-heeled Jakobs, capped eight times by Senegal, could be a fine replacement for the departing Renan Lodi, possessing the athleticism and the attacking intent required to thrive in Cooper’s wing-back system.
There is also interest in Andrea Cambiaso, per Tuttomercatoweb.
The Italy U21 flyer spent last season on loan at Bologna, and is yet to make an appearance for the Bianconeri since his £7 million move to Turin.
Cambiaso’s agent, Giovanni Bia, believes a permanent departure may be on the cards. Though Juventus will not let him go without a fight.
“Juventus strongly wanted him. They put a lot of money on the table. And they will certainly make their own assessments before depriving themselves of him,” Bia tells Sky Italia.
“And I think they will also ask for a lot of money. Last week, some teams approached me, and I think something will happen here too.
“But Juventus won’t be deprived of him easily.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
