Nottingham Forest are said to have revived their interest in Juventus defender Federico Gatti as they plot their summer transfer business.
The Italian has been on the Reds’ radar before, with suggestions they have had at least two bids rejected in the past. And they are reportedly keeping tabs on him once again as they begin to put plans in place for the window opening in June.
Gatti is currently sidelined with injury but is expected to return to action next month. His impending comeback has led to speculation about his future in Italy.
The centre-back is under contract with the Italian giants until 2028 but they are keen to tie him to fresh terms, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Talks are said to be at “an advanced stage” and there is a “basic agreement” in place to keep him at the club until 2030, but it appears a summer sale has not been ruled out.
Forest and Newcastle United are said to be monitoring the situation and are waiting in the wings, ready to pounce if the opportunity arises. La Gazzetta stresses every player has a price - “even Gatti”.
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A price tag of €25-30 million (£21-25m) is said to have been placed on his head. If the Reds or their Premier League rivals stump up such an amount, it is said “the sacrifice would be almost inevitable”.
Forest were first linked with Gatti in the summer of 2023, when they reportedly had a €25m (£21m) bid rebuffed. Earlier this year, it was reported they had tried their luck again but the 26-year-old turned down the chance to move to the City Ground in January.
Gatti has been a key figure for Juventus since his €7.5m (£6m) switch from Frosinone in 2022. Prior to the injury he sustained last month, he had made 40 appearances and played more than 3,000 minutes for the club.
Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic have been a superb central defensive partnership for Nuno Espirito Santo’s Reds this term. Forest will hope the duo can build on their excellent season, with Brazilian Morato proving to be another solid option.
The Reds will have some defensive decisions to make in the summer, however. They must decide whether to take up their option to retain veteran Willy Boly for a further 12 months.
Calls will also need to be made over whether youngster Tyler Bindon and David Carmo, who are both out on loan, will have a part to play. Andrew Omobamidele is also currently plying his trade elsewhere after making a January switch, but Strasbourg have the option to sign him on a permanent basis.
