Nottingham Forest ‘Pushing Hard’ to Sign £25m Man City Star – Report | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest’s Bold Move for Man City’s James McAtee

In a summer transfer window dominated by big-money moves, Nottingham Forest have emerged as one of the most determined Premier League clubs, eyeing Manchester City’s James McAtee. According to TeamTalk, Forest are “refusing to give up in their pursuit” of the talented midfielder, as they aim to convince him to stay in England rather than accept a Bundesliga offer.

McAtee’s Appeal and the Competition

James McAtee, 22, has become one of the most sought-after young players in Europe after captaining the England Under-21s to Euros glory last month. His exclusion from Manchester City’s Club World Cup squad by Pep Guardiola signalled his availability, and City have reportedly set his price at £25million.

Forest are not alone in the chase. Fulham, West Ham, and Everton have all shown interest, while Bundesliga giants Eintracht Frankfurt, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayer Leverkusen are circling. Clubs from Spain and Italy have also been credited with an interest, making this a highly competitive battle.

Photo: IMAGO

As TeamTalk points out, “McAtee is due to fly out to Germany to sound out a move to Eintracht Frankfurt,” but Forest are making a significant effort to sway his decision.

Forest’s Urgent Need for Reinforcements

The urgency for Nottingham Forest stems from the expected departures of two key players: Anthony Elanga, set for a £55million move to Newcastle, and Morgan Gibbs-White, heading to Tottenham in a £60million deal. Even amid a legal challenge over Gibbs-White’s transfer, Forest are preparing to reinvest.

TeamTalk notes that McAtee is “among the possible replacements” for the departing stars, as Forest look to rebuild their attacking core under Nuno Espirito Santo. The club are aware that these sales may lead to an increase in McAtee’s asking price, but they are prepared to “push the boat out to land him.”

Other Names on Forest’s Radar

Beyond McAtee, Forest’s shortlist includes Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and PSV Eindhoven winger Johan Bakayoko, as well as Juventus duo Timothy Weah and Samuel Mbangula — although the latter two deals appear to have fallen through.

Despite the distractions, McAtee remains Forest’s top priority. As one club source reportedly put it, “They know his ability,” and they are keen to secure a marquee signing to signal their ambitions.

McAtee’s Role in City’s PSR Balancing

Manchester City’s motivation to sell McAtee is partly financial. Having spent over £100million on four new signings, City are under pressure to comply with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). McAtee’s sale would represent vital homegrown profit and help balance their books. Forest are looking to capitalise on this need, hoping to beat their Premier League and European rivals to the punch.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Nottingham Forest supporter’s perspective, the potential signing of James McAtee is thrilling. After watching Elanga and Gibbs-White light up the City Ground, it has been hard to imagine how the squad will fill that creative void. McAtee, fresh from leading the England U21s, seems like the ideal man to step into that space.

The fact that Forest are “pushing the hardest,” as reported by TeamTalk, shows ambition and intent. Fans have often been frustrated by the club’s perceived lack of pulling power compared to bigger names, but this feels different. Beating Bundesliga giants and fellow Premier League sides to a talent like McAtee would make a real statement.

Of course, the price tag is a concern. £25million, potentially rising further, is a hefty fee, especially when the club has other targets like Wissa and Bakayoko. But supporters will argue that now is the time to invest boldly. The squad under Nuno has shown flashes of brilliance, and adding a player with McAtee’s technical ability and winning mentality could elevate Forest from survival battlers to solid mid-table contenders.

In short, Forest fans will be hopeful that the club’s hard push pays off, and that by the start of the season, McAtee will be wearing red at the City Ground.