Nottingham Forest had really ramped up their transfer activity heading into the drama that is deadline day.
At the time of writing, the Tricky Trees have welcomed in ten brand-new faces to the City Ground this summer, with John Victor the latest capture from Botafogo to enhance the Premier League outfit’s options in goal.
All this frenzied activity isn’t slowing down either as we head towards 7pm’s sharp cut-off, as Forest now look set to land a long-term target to further bolster their plentiful attacking personnel.
Nottingham Forest close in on £35m star
There had been whispers all window long regarding Forest’s chase for RC Strasbourg ace Dilane Bakwa.
Now, it looks as if Nuno Espirito Santo’s men have finally won their long-sought-after attacker, with journalist John Percy first taking to X to confirm that the Europa League competitors were in advanced talks for the Frenchman, with the Ligue 1 side looking for a fee of around £35m.
Following that, another Forest-based journalist, Tom Collomosse has added more fuel to the fire by stating that a medical will take place today for the winger to join the ever-increasing ranks.
After failing to secure a deal for the now Benfica-bound Dodi Lukebakio, this would be a welcome relief if Forest could snap up the signature of Bakwa instead, with the assist-hungry attacker arguably an improvement on the Belgian.
How Bakwa compares to Lukebakio
Of course, nobody at the City Ground would have actively turned their nose up at Lukebakio entering the building, with the 27-year-old just fresh off an 11-goal season in La Liga with soon-to-be ex-employers Sevilla.
But, away from that standout offering, he has struggled in the Spanish top-flight previously to be at that same consistent peak, with only five goals powered home during the 2023/24 season.
Games played
64
63
Goals scored
10
17
Assists
18
3
Big chances created
27
10
Whereas, Bakwa has only grown in confidence the more he’s donned Strasbourg blue, with a ridiculous tally of one goal and three assists already next to his name in Ligue 1 action this campaign, despite only lining up for three contests so far.
Lukebakio might well have more strikes next to his name when comparing the head-to-head statistics, but the £35m attacker is an unbelievable creative force when he gets going, with a whopping 27 big chances created for his Strasbourg teammates from 64 league appearances.
This will surely be one facet of his varied game that has caught Forest’s eye, considering Anthony Elanga is no longer under Nuno’s wing, who was an assist king for the likes of Chris Wood throughout his stint in the Midlands.
Moreover, with Bakwa being just 22 years of age – compared to Lukebakio, who is 27 – Nuno will hope he can get even more out of a talent who has dazzled Ligue 1 defences for fun, with the young attacker already being branded as “very exciting” to watch by journalist Josh Bunting.
The real challenge for Forest’s statement deadline day purchase will be how he acclimatises to the pressures of the Premier League.
But, if his blistering Ligue 1 numbers are anything to go by, this could be a golden deal at the £35m mark, as Forest instantly brushes Lukebakio’s move falling through to land their long-term man.