Nottingham Forest now battling to sign “amazing” 10-goal Wissa alternative

Having missed out on Yoane Wissa during the January transfer window, Nottingham Forest are now reportedly battling to sign a different Premier League forward who has been in fine form in recent weeks.

Nottingham Forest transfer news

Whilst it’s easy to assume that a side which just scored a stunning seven goals against Brighton & Hove Albion need anything but attacking reinforcements, Chris Wood’s age has far from reflected his form this season.

At 33 years old, the New Zealand striker has arguably been better than ever, scoring 17 Premier League goals this season, but that does not mean he can go on forever. Forest, perhaps more than most, seem to be well aware of that.

Those at the City Ground even reportedly turned their attention towards an eventual replacement for Wood during the January transfer window when they attempted to sign both Matheus Cunha and Brentford’s Wissa. Although both deals failed to advance, the intention was certainly there and will likely remain as the summer transfer window approaches.

Those in the Midlands still found a way to keep themselves busy on deadline day too, signing Joel Ndala on loan from Manchester City in a last-gasp swoop for Nuno Espirito Santo

Welcoming the young forward, Head of Football Development & Talent Management Craig Mulholland told Forest’s website: “We are delighted that Joel will be joining us here at Forest.

“He is an exciting young talent who our recruitment team have tracked for some time. We wish him well for this next exciting chapter in his career, and all of our excellent staff are looking forward to working with him.”

The young forward represents a short-term option before Forest could solve their problem permanently this summer. According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Nottingham Forest are now battling to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta this summer, as he continues to deliberate over signing a new contract at Crystal Palace.

“Amazing” Mateta could replace Wood

With Wissa and Cunha seemingly out of reach, Nottingham Forest would be wise to turn their attention towards another proven Premier League star in Mateta, especially in the face of his contract doubts.

The forward has eased any concerns that last season was a freak campaign by following up his 16-goal haul with another 10 and counting in the current campaign. Now, he could have Champions League football in his sights.

In the face of such interest, Palace boss Oliver Glasner will not be keen to lose his star man having praised him so highly following a well-timed brace in victory over Manchester United. The Austrian told reporters: “We don’t always talk because he knows what we demand of him. With his two goals today, he is amazing in the box.

“He has the feeling that a number nine must have in the box. He makes so many runs where he doesn’t get the ball. You need to suffer as a striker because you make so many runs where you don’t get the ball. He gets the reward and it decides the game for us.”