In terms of their on the pitch performances, Nottingham Forest have been rubbing shoulders with clubs like Arsenal all season.
Forest are sat in third and are only five points behind Arsenal after 31 games played, a remarkable achievement for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
Of course, with just seven games to go this season and the Premier League likely offering five Champions League spots this season, it seems as if Forest could return to Europe’s elite competition.
| Position | Team | Played MP |
Won W |
Drawn D |
Lost L |
For GF |
Against GA |
Diff GD |
Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool |
31 | 22 | 7 | 2 | 72 | 30 | 42 | 73 |
| 2 |  ArsenalArsenal |
31 | 17 | 11 | 3 | 56 | 26 | 30 | 62 |
| 3 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest |
31 | 17 | 6 | 8 | 51 | 37 | 14 | 57 |
| 4 |  ChelseaChelsea |
31 | 15 | 8 | 8 | 54 | 37 | 17 | 53 |
And if they do, a whole new level of player will be available to Forest – a club who will suddenly have a lot more pull.
Elliot Anderson was a brilliant signing for Forest in the summer, as was Nikola Milenkovic, and the duo could be joined by some even bigger names in a few months’ time.
Ademola Lookman might be tempted by Nottingham Forest move
According to Give Me Sport, Forest are now targeting a deal for Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, who has also been on Arsenal’s radar for some time.
By all accounts, 27-year-old Lookman could leave Atlanta this summer in search of a new challenge, a forward who was nominated for the Ballon d’Or during his time in Italy.
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And according to the report, Forest might be able to turn Lookman’s head in their direction if they do qualify for the Champions League this term.
As mentioned, Arsenal have been linked with Lookman for almost a year now given his situation at Atalanta – some thought he was ready to leave the club last summer.
And it would therefore be a considerable coup if Forest could secure a deal.
Lookman has previously had a price tag of around £50m, although a move could still be good value for Nuno’s side.
The Nigeria international has so much talent to thrive on the counter like Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi this season, and arguably has more end product in his game.
Would Lookman suit Nuno’s system?
It is worth noting that Lookman has predominantly thrived whilst playing as a second striker this season.
However, the former Everton, Fulham and Leicester City star has also excelled as a left-winger, scoring 18 goals in 34 appearances in all positions this season.
In terms of Atalanta’s style, they do tend to keep more possession than Nuno’s side this season, but that’s true of most teams.
Lookman could still be a real threat for Forest given his dynamism and pace, which can definitely be utilised in transition.
An important summer for Forest regardless of what European football they qualify for, and the club’s recruitment team will need to get it right once again.
