Sky Sports: Nottingham Forest agree £34.6m deal to sign Serie A midfielder | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest agree Frattesi deal as transfer dominoes begin to fall

Credit must go to Sky Sports for breaking the story, with their reporter Anton Toloui laying out a situation that feels finely poised and typically dramatic at this stage of the window. The headline is simple but the subtext is anything but. Nottingham Forest have struck a provisional agreement with Inter for midfielder Davide Frattesi, yet as ever in modern football, the real work happens in the margins.

Toloui reported, “Nottingham Forest have an agreement in place with Inter for midfielder Davide Frattesi.” That line alone sent ripples through the Forest fanbase, because Frattesi is not a speculative punt, he is a proven Serie A performer with international pedigree. The next detail added further intrigue. “The deal is for a loan with an option to buy for £34.6m.” That structure suits Forest’s model under Sean Dyche, offering flexibility while still showing serious intent.

Transfer conditions create a nervous wait

However, this move comes with significant caveats. Toloui continued, “However, it is dependent on Inter finding a replacement and the willingness of the player. Forest are still waiting for his greenlight.” In other words, Forest have done their bit, now they sit and wait for two separate green lights. One from Milan and one from Frattesi himself.

Inter’s contingency plan, according to Sky in Italy, adds another layer of complexity. “Inter want to sign Liverpool’s Curtis Jones as a replacement, Sky in Italy are reporting.” That immediately drags the Premier League into the equation, turning what felt like a bilateral deal into a three way standoff. Yet Sky Sports News have also clarified, “Sky Sports News understands that letting players go is not on Liverpool’s agenda before the deadline.”

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That final sentence could yet be the most decisive. Liverpool’s reluctance to sell Jones means Inter may struggle to source a like for like replacement, which in turn leaves Frattesi in limbo. One could argue that this is where Forest’s patience and persuasion come into play. As one insider put it, “Forest know this is a rare chance to land a top level midfielder, they will push right until the final whistle.”

Why Frattesi fits Dyche’s blueprint

From a tactical perspective, Frattesi looks a natural fit for Dyche. He covers ground relentlessly, breaks into the box and brings energy that complements Forest’s more direct approach. At £34.6m, even as an option to buy, it represents a significant investment, but also a statement that Forest are not here to merely survive.

Sky Sports deserve credit for detailing every twist, and their reporting highlights how fine the margins are in elite recruitment. As another quote from the original piece underlines, “Forest are still waiting for his greenlight,” and that wait feels symbolic of the whole window.

Whether this deal crosses the line may depend on events at Anfield as much as those in Milan or Nottingham. For Forest supporters, that uncertainty brings equal parts anxiety and excitement.

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As a Forest fan, this news hits right in the heart. Sean Dyche has been crying out for a midfield engine who can drive us up the pitch and Frattesi sounds exactly that. When Sky Sports said, “Nottingham Forest have an agreement in place with Inter for midfielder Davide Frattesi,” it felt like Christmas morning. We do not often get linked with players of this calibre, never mind actually agreeing a deal.

The loan with an option to buy for £34.6m feels clever too. It gives Dyche time to see how Frattesi adapts to the Premier League grind, and knowing Dyche, he will love a midfielder who runs himself into the turf for the badge. You can already picture Frattesi smashing into tackles at the City Ground, the crowd roaring him on.

Of course, the worry is Inter needing Curtis Jones. Liverpool dragging their heels could scupper everything, and that is frustrating. Still, I am hopeful because players want to feel wanted, and Forest clearly do. If Frattesi gives his greenlight, I believe Inter will find a way.

This feels like a turning point. Sign him and it sends a message that Forest are building something serious under Dyche.