According to The Athletic, Nottingham Forest are now close to signing Houssem Aouar after wrapping up a deal for Morgan Gibbs-White.
What’s the story?
Well, Nottingham Forest have been very, very busy this summer, making 15 new signings before the England Under-21 international became the 16th earlier today, following an official announcement of the £42.5m deal.
However, Steve Cooper isn’t done yet.
The Athletic believe Aouar will now follow Gibbs-White to the City Ground, although their update goes against what those in the French media are saying.
According to Foot Mercato, Nottingham Forest have withdrawn their interest in the France international after Vincent Ponsot – Director of Football at Lyon – upset them by “evolving” Lyon’s demands.
The Ligue 1 side are believed to be holding out for a sum of €15m (£13m) to sell Aouar, although some believe Nottingham Forest have only offered €10m (£8m) – cheekily across six separate payments.
Crystal Palace are now said to be interested in hijacking the deal.
In our view, we would be more trusting of the French media, given the fact they are closer to the scene involving Lyon and Aouar – however, The Athletic are extremely reliable, so only time will tell what happens.
Nottingham Forest do not need Houssem Aouar
In our view, Nottingham Forest need to slow down a bit – especially when it comes to signing central midfielders.
After Gibbs-White was signed, Cooper now has Orel Mangala, Lewis O’Brien, Remo Freuler, Jesse Lingard and Cheikhou Kouyate to choose from in midfield, as well as his existing options before this summer’s trolley dash.
There isn’t room for everybody, and some of these new arrivals may even find themselves left on the sidelines as Cooper tries to discover his best XI.
It is already a selection headache in every sense of the phrase, so Nottingham Forest do not need to make it any more difficult by signing Aouar.
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