Report: Nottingham Forest favourites to sign Serie A defender | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest Push for Jan Ziółkowski as Roma Hold Firm on €20m Valuation

Nottingham Forest appear to have taken the clearest step yet in the pursuit of Roma defender Jan Ziółkowski, with the 20-year-old centre-back emerging as one of the more intriguing defensive targets of the summer window.

Sports Boom report that Forest, Brighton and AFC Bournemouth are all monitoring the Poland youth international, although the level of interest varies significantly. West Ham United had also been linked, but their relegation to the Championship has weakened that possibility considerably.

Ziółkowski only joined Roma in August 2025 and is contracted until June 2030, yet his future is already under scrutiny. That long agreement gives Roma leverage, but it does not guarantee the player will remain in Italy if the right offer arrives.

Forest have reportedly made the most meaningful move so far. As Sports Boom state, “Nottingham Forest’s representatives have already sat down at the table, verbally proposing a valuation of around €15 million for the defender, a figure that reportedly includes bonuses.” Roma rejected that approach, with the Serie A club seeking around €20-25 million.

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Roma Valuation Creates Transfer Standoff

Roma’s position is understandable. The club have secured Champions League qualification and now need a squad capable of handling that step up in intensity, scrutiny and reliability. Ziółkowski is admired, but he has not yet established himself as a trusted first-team fixture.

Sports Boom’s line that “Internal assessments suggest the young Pole could face limited playing time if he remains” feels central to this story. At 20, he needs regular minutes, not simply association with a Champions League squad.

That is where Forest’s interest becomes compelling. A move to the Premier League would bring risk, but it could also offer a clearer developmental pathway, especially if Forest see him as part of a defensive rebuild rather than a speculative signing.

Murillo Interest Adds Forest Urgency

Forest’s need for defensive planning may also be linked to Murillo’s situation. Sports Boom report that “Forest’s current first-choice centre-back Murillo is also attracting strong interest, with Newcastle United among the Premier League clubs monitoring his situation closely.”

That detail gives the Ziółkowski pursuit added context. Forest cannot afford to be reactive if a key defender leaves. Identifying a young, high-upside replacement early would represent sensible recruitment, particularly in a market where centre-backs with physical tools, recovery pace and resale value command significant fees.

The current gap between Forest and Roma is not huge. Sports Boom suggest that “Clever bonus structuring could close that distance.” That feels realistic. If Forest can lift the guaranteed fee while protecting themselves through performance-related add-ons, there may be room for agreement.

Brighton and Bournemouth Remain Watchful

Brighton and Bournemouth are not out of the picture, but their interest appears less advanced. Sports Boom describe their stance as “passive monitoring”, with no active pursuit or concrete contact reported.

That leaves Forest in the strongest position, provided they are willing to move towards Roma’s valuation. The €20 million mark feels like the key number. Reach it, either directly or through achievable bonuses, and this deal could accelerate quickly.

For Ziółkowski, the decision may come down to ambition versus opportunity. Roma offer Champions League status, but Forest may offer something more valuable at this stage of his career, a genuine route to becoming a first-choice defender in one of Europe’s most demanding leagues.

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From a Nottingham Forest perspective, this feels like exactly the type of transfer link that deserves attention. Ziółkowski is not a household name, but that is often where smart recruitment begins. At 20, with Roma pedigree and a contract running until 2030, he clearly has something clubs like.

The Murillo factor is impossible to ignore. Forest fans will not want to lose him, especially after seeing how important he has become, but the club have to plan properly. If Newcastle or another Premier League side decide to push hard, Forest must already have succession options in place.

What stands out is that Forest have apparently acted first. That matters. Supporters have seen enough chaotic windows to know the difference between casual scouting and serious intent. A verbal €15 million proposal may have been rejected, but it shows Forest are at the table.

The concern is price. €20-25 million is a serious outlay for a player still developing. Forest cannot afford another deal that looks clever on paper but leaves the squad short in key moments. Yet if the scouting department believe Ziółkowski can handle Premier League football, this could be a bold and necessary move.

Forest need defenders with composure, aggression and growth potential. Ziółkowski seems to fit that mould. Now the question is whether the club are willing to pay like believers, not bargain hunters.