World Cup star ‘ready’ for Premier League move as Nottingham Forest talk to his agents

Nottingham Forest are continuing to shape their plans for the summer transfer window as preparations gather pace ahead of another demanding campaign under Vitor Pereira.

The Reds are expected to be active in several areas of the squad as they look to build on last season’s progress.

A number of names have already been linked with moves to the City Ground in recent weeks.

Midfield remains one department Forest could strengthen before the new season gets underway, with Elliot Anderson closing in on a mega-money move to Man City.

Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi has again been linked with a move to Nottingham after interest first emerged earlier in the year.

Reports from Italy have suggested Forest have maintained contact as they continue exploring a deal for the Italy international.

The club have also been credited with real interest in Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall, who’ll cost up to £50m, as he asks to leave north London.

Much of the transfer discussion surrounding Forest has centred on potential departures as well as arrivals.

Alongside Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White has also regularly found himself at the centre of transfer speculation, with Nicolo Savona also believed to have agreed terms with Atalanta.

However, Forest are understood to be focused on strengthening the squad rather than losing key players.

Defensive reinforcements are also being assessed behind the scenes.

Although Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic remain important figures at the back, Forest are believed to be exploring opportunities to add further depth and experience.

That search has led them towards a player currently representing Belgium at the World Cup.

Eintracht Frankfurt defender Arthur Theate has emerged as a serious target for the Premier League side.

The 26-year-old has featured for Belgium during the World Cup and remains an important squad player heading into their vital make or break final group stage clash.

While the defender remains focused on international duty, work is continuing away from the pitch regarding his club future.

According to reports from BILD, Nottingham Forest are in contact with Theate’s representatives as they assess the possibility of bringing him to the Premier League.

Forest are not the only club showing interest, with Bournemouth having also been linked.

There is also believed to be interest from clubs in Serie A following Theate’s previous spell in Italy.

The defender spent time with Bologna before securing his move to Germany. Since joining Eintracht Frankfurt, he has become one of the Bundesliga club’s most dependable performers.

Theate’s versatility is regarded as one of his biggest strengths.

He is capable of operating as a central defender, on the left side of a back three or as a full-back when required.

The player’s own comments have also increased interest surrounding his future.

As relayed by BILD, Theate has openly said that he is “ready” to test himself in the Premier League should the right opportunity arise, and that stance has naturally placed English clubs on alert.

Nottingham Forest told Arthur Theate price tag

Forest are among those monitoring developments closely while maintaining contact with the player’s camp, and the potential financial package involved could also work in Forest’s favour.

Reports have suggested Theate may be available for roughly £17 million.

For a player with extensive experience in Germany, Italy and international football, the valuation is likely to attract attention from several clubs.

Theate has already amassed more than 30 senior caps for Belgium, all while building a reputation for his aggressive defending and leadership qualities.

What’s been said about Arthur Theate as Nottingham Forest lurk

Serie A expert Conor Clancy, speaking to FootballFanCast in 2022, described Theate as a modern-day defender crossed with an old-school, no-nonsense centre-half.