Premier League newcomers Nottingham Forest are keen on Gustavo Scarpa but the midfielder is more likely to leave Palmeiras when his contract expires in the winter, as reported by Lance.
Joining Morgan Gibbs-White, Domen Crnigoj and Guilio Maggiore, 28-year-old Scarpa is the fourth different attacking midfielder to emerge as a potential transfer target for Nottingham Forest since Steve Cooper’s side saw off Huddersfield Town in the play-off final a month ago.
And Scarpa may be the most intriguing of the lot.
A one-time Brazil international, the experienced playmaker has provided seven goals and seven assists for Palmeiras already last term. And he’d arrive at the City Ground with more silverware than a Downton Abbey dinner party.
Scarpa, after all, has won pretty much every trophy on offer at Palmeiras, including a pair of Copa Libertadores titles. But, with his 30th birthday now just a year-and-a-half away, the former Fluminense ace is running out of time if he wants to make a name for himself on the other side of the Atlantic.
Nottingham Forest could offer him the opportunity to do just that.
“I’ve never hid the dream I have. Every year it gets more difficult because of age, but the dream is there to be dreamed and fulfilled,” says Scarpa when asked if he plans to play in Europe at some point in the future.
“But I’m living the greatest moment in the history of Palmeiras, winning absurd titles. And I’m happy as hell.”
Nottingham Forest like Gustavo Scarpa
According to UOL, Forest have held initial talks with Scarpa’s camp. Interestingly, the other club owned by Greek magnate Evangelos Marinakis – Olympiakos – are also reported to be interested.
Palmeiras, however, are at pains to point out that they have no plans to cash in on their most influential creator with a couple of months remaining in the 2022 Brazilian season. Scarpa’s contract expires in December. And, according to Lance and UOL, Palmeiras would rather take the financial hit and lose one of their star men on a free, rather than sell with a title on the line.
Abel Ferreira’s side are currently three points clear at the top with Scarpa – who set up a staggering 20 goals in 2021 – in top form.
Nottingham Forest, then, may have to place Scarpa on the backburner until the winter window.
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