Forest are looking to strengthen their attacking options this summer. Despite Morgan Gibbs-White now signing a new contract and not moving to Tottenham Hotspur, they have still lost a key player in Anthony Elanga. Furthermore, depth was an issue for the Reds last campaign. Nottingham Forest have shown an interest in James McAtee, from Manchester City, though a bid has now been rejected.
Nottingham Forest Make Move for Another Attacking Option Deal Agreed for Dan Ndoye
£25 Million Bid Rejected
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Nottingham Forest have bid £25 million for McAtee. The attacking midfielder played less than 1000 minutes in all competitions for Manchester City last season, though was always around the squad and even managed seven goals. This bid has, however, been rejected.
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Ben Jacobs reports that the club will only let him leave if a proposal is made nearing the £42.5 million that they received for Cole Palmer. Pep Guardiola wants to keep the youngster, though he will be allowed to depart if he wishes to, given that the valuation is met. City have been fair to their academy products in the past, letting the likes of Palmer, Romeo Lavia, and Liam Delap depart when a significant offer came in. They even let James Trafford leave, who they have now re-signed for around £10 million more than they sold him for.
Where Does James McAtee Fit In for Forest?
McAtee is primarily an attacking midfielder, and Forest already have Gibbs-White in that position, as a star player who has just signed a new deal. Whilst McAtee could play understudy to the Spurs target, he would likely not find many minutes.
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Alternatively, he could play as a winger. He has featured on the right for City and possesses all the natural traits of a wide player. Forest have agreed a deal for Dan Ndoye, but with Elanga gone, and Nuno Espirito Santo’s current back-up options being Jota Silva and Ramon Sosa, McAtee could play a lot of minutes in a wide role. The Tricky Trees also eye a move for Adama Traore from Fulham; they are clearly looking for more depth in this position.
Equally, he has played a lot of games as a central midfielder before. With the squad facing the challenges of playing midweek European football this year, he would likely feature in a variety of positions.
