Nuno Espírito Santo looks set to be disappointed as a move for Adama Traoré is looking unlikely, but Nottingham Forest have responded with a push for an alternative option.
It looked like a simple deal to do, but Traoré’s move to Forest is now unlikely according to reports, forcing the Reds’ recruitment staff into action.
Traoré was said to be open to the Forest move given his admiration for Espírito Santo, with the pair enjoying a successful period at Wolves, perhaps Traoré’s best of his career.
Wide players are still required in the Forest squad, though, leading to Evangelos Marinakis launching an improved bid for an exciting alternative to the Spaniard.
Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty ImagesNottingham Forest return with new bid for Dilane Bakwa
At this time of year, Forest are predictably being linked with a vast number of options to improve their squad. However, Forest’s bid for Dilane Bakwa was one that garnered excitement in the fanbase.
The £24m offer was rejected by Strasbourg, who were said to be looking for a fee closer to the £30m mark. In response, Forest have placed a second bid that will test the French side’s nerve.
French journalist Mohamed Toubache-Ter has claimed that Forest’s new bid is worth £27m, which doesn’t include the potential bonuses in the offer.
Therefore, the Reds may now be close to that asking price with the bonuses included, forcing Strasbourg to consider how much of the fee they would be demanding up front for a winger who looks like the perfect addition to Espírito Santo’s squad.
Dilane Bakwa could be even better than Adama Traoré
While Traoré would have the benefit of an existing relationship with Espírito Santo, Bakwa has already shown that, at 22, he has everything in his locker to be exceptional in the Premier League.
Analysed in depth by Breaking the Lines in March, Bakwa’s strengths were highlighted, showing exactly why he’s worth the £27m bid.
The report said: “Bakwa likes to take on his direct opponent, frequently leaving them behind with his close control and body feints. His stand-start dribbling style—a hallmark of his game—allows him to pass defenders with ease and create space for himself or his teammates.
“Bakwa’s ability to deceive defenders is excellent. He averages 4.55 shot-creating actions per 90 and draws 3.13 fouls per 90.
“His dual ability to either hug the byline and whip in crosses (5.87 crosses per game) or cut inside to deliver a pass from the half-space makes him unpredictable and a constant threat.”
It remains to be seen whether Strasbourg will deem the bid acceptable, but if not, Bakwa looks to be the sort of talent that Forest should be pushing hard to acquire.