Report: Liverpool and Arsenal Expected to Battle For Forest Star | OneFootball

Interest Growing in Nottingham Forest Star

Morgan Gibbs-White has emerged as a key target for several Premier League giants, with Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United among the clubs monitoring his situation. The Nottingham Forest midfielder has been one of the standout performers this season, registering five goals and six assists in 24 league appearances.

Sources close to the player have revealed that Gibbs-White is now firmly on the radar of multiple top-flight clubs, including Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. His dynamic performances in midfield have not gone unnoticed, and his potential availability could spark a significant bidding war in the summer.

Nottingham Forest’s Stance on Gibbs-White’s Future

Forest are determined to keep hold of their 25-year-old playmaker and are keen to open talks regarding a new contract. The club values Gibbs-White highly and sees him as central to their long-term plans.

However, there is an understanding that a substantial offer—believed to be in the region of €60 million—could test their resolve. With Premier League heavyweights circling, Forest may face a difficult decision, especially if they fail to secure European football next season.

Why Liverpool and Arsenal Are Considering a Move

Gibbs-White’s versatility, creativity, and work rate make him an attractive prospect for any top side. He has demonstrated his ability to influence games both as an advanced playmaker and as a deeper-lying midfielder.

For Arsenal, he could provide valuable competition for Martin Ødegaard, who has struggled to hit peak form in recent weeks. With Mikel Arteta eager to bolster his squad for a sustained title challenge, Gibbs-White’s technical ability and energy could be a perfect fit.

Liverpool’s need for midfield reinforcements is arguably less pressing following last summer’s overhaul. However, with Curtis Jones yet to fully establish himself as a consistent starter, a move for Gibbs-White could still make strategic sense. His capacity to press high up the pitch aligns well with Liverpool’s tactical philosophy.

Manchester United’s Urgent Midfield Rebuild

Old Trafford has endured a torrid campaign, and midfield reinforcements are a priority. Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount have struggled for consistency, and there is a clear need for a more dynamic option in the middle of the park.

Gibbs-White could represent a long-term solution, offering energy, technical quality, and goal contributions. United’s interest is unsurprising, given their need to overhaul the squad and add younger, more adaptable players to Erik ten Hag’s ranks.

Morgan Gibbs-White’s performance data over the last 365 days, as illustrated by the radar chart, highlights his strengths as an attacking midfielder. The chart, which compares him to other midfielders based on percentile rankings, provides insights into his standout attributes and areas for improvement.

Attacking Prowess

Gibbs-White excels in attacking metrics, ranking in the upper percentiles across key offensive categories. His non-penalty expected goals (npxG) and expected assisted goals (xAG) are in the 96th and 97th percentiles, respectively, showcasing his ability to create and finish chances. Furthermore, his assists (99th percentile) and shot-creating actions (95th percentile) underline his creativity and influence in the final third.

Possession and Ball Progression

In terms of ball progression, Gibbs-White is also an elite performer. His progressive carries (92nd percentile) and successful take-ons (90th percentile) demonstrate his confidence in driving forward with the ball. He is also highly involved in build-up play, ranking well in progressive passes received (92nd percentile) and touches (92nd percentile). However, his pass completion rate (73rd percentile) and passes attempted (31st percentile) indicate that he is not as heavily involved in midfield distribution as some of his peers.

Defensive Contributions

Defensively, Gibbs-White is less influential. His metrics for tackles and interceptions (6th percentile) and blocks (6th percentile) suggest that he does not significantly contribute in a defensive role. His clearances (9th percentile) are also low, reinforcing the notion that his primary role is in attack. However, he ranks 42nd percentile in aerial duels won, which, while not elite, suggests he has some presence in aerial challenges.

Potential Fit for Liverpool or Arsenal

His ability to create goal-scoring opportunities and drive forward with the ball makes him an appealing prospect for clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal. At Liverpool, he could provide an attacking alternative in midfield, potentially replacing Curtis Jones in certain tactical setups. At Arsenal, he could compete with Martin Ødegaard for an advanced midfield role, offering a more dynamic and dribble-oriented approach.

With his standout attacking metrics and progressive abilities, Gibbs-White is proving to be one of the most exciting midfielders outside the traditional ‘big six’ clubs, making him a valuable asset for Nottingham Forest and an intriguing target for top Premier League sides.

What Next for Gibbs-White?

Forest will fight hard to keep their star man, particularly if they can secure Champions League football. However, interest from clubs of Liverpool and Arsenal’s stature will be difficult to ignore.

As the summer window approaches, Gibbs-White’s future is set to be a key talking point. With multiple clubs in the mix, this is a transfer saga that could develop quickly.