Report: Forest reignite talks with Milan over target valued at £30m | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest Step Up Interest in Saelemaekers as Roma Face Uphill Battle

Forest reignite Premier League interest

Alexis Saelemaekers is fast becoming one of European football’s more intriguing stories this season — not just for his tactical transformation, but for the way his resurgence is commanding attention across leagues. According to Calciomercato, Nottingham Forest have re-entered the conversation for the Belgian international, with his future at Roma anything but certain.

Saelemaekers, who joined the Giallorossi on loan from AC Milan in a swap involving Tammy Abraham, has impressed despite a two-month absence due to injury. Once envisioned as a left-wing option, he has emerged instead as a right-back, balancing Roma’s shape while producing end-product. His tally — 6 goals and 3 assists in 17 Serie A appearances — reflects not only his evolution but his growing influence.

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Complications stall Roma’s plans

While the Belgian has become a fan favourite in Rome, his stay beyond this season is uncertain. Roma do not hold a purchase option, and talks with Milan over a permanent move are reportedly strained. “The Giallorossi club hoped to close for an equal exchange with Tammy Abraham,” the report states, “but the Rossoneri club… values Alexis at no less than 25/30 million euros.”

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With Milan aiming to capitalise on his rising stock, a return to San Siro is possible unless Roma can put together a compelling proposal. For now, it appears the capital club face a difficult balancing act between sporting ambition and financial restraint.

Forest’s renewed pitch for Belgian international

As Calciomercato add, “Now Forest has returned to the charge by testing the waters with the player’s agents with interesting arguments.” The Premier League side’s financial muscle, and their bold push for an improbable Champions League spot, make them a serious contender for Saelemaekers’ next step.

Previously linked with West Ham and Leicester, Forest’s re-entry is timely. Roma are under pressure to find creative solutions to keep the Belgian, while Milan can simply bide their time.

Player’s value on the rise

At 24, Saelemaekers represents a profile increasingly prized by progressive clubs: versatile, tactically flexible, and capable of contributing in both halves of the pitch. While his preference may play a part, Milan are clearly in control. “The will of the offensive winger will have an impact but up to a certain point,” Calciomercato report, “because the goal of the Devils is to make the most of his transfer.”

Whether he stays in Italy or heads to the Premier League, one thing is certain: Alexis Saelemaekers is a player whose next move will carry serious weight.

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For Nottingham Forest supporters, this is the kind of ambition they’ve been waiting for. Forget the old narratives — Forest are no longer here just to survive. The club’s reported interest in Alexis Saelemaekers signals something far more exciting: a belief that they belong in the European conversation.

Saelemaekers would be a transformative addition. He’s not just a right-back or winger — he’s both, and everything in between. His ability to break lines, deliver in the final third, and adapt to multiple tactical systems is exactly what Forest need to compete at the top end of the Premier League.

More importantly, it shows that the club’s vision is aligned with fan hunger. If they’re genuinely targeting players of his calibre, then they’re not only preparing for a European campaign — but planning to thrive in it.

Yes, Roma want to keep him. Milan may look to cash in. But Forest have the resources, the platform, and the ambition to make this deal happen. If Alexis wants to be at the centre of something bold and upwardly mobile, he’ll find no better home than the City Ground.