Nottingham Forest’s summer plans are beginning to take shape quickly after a major change in the dugout.
Oliver Glasner has now stepped in to replace Vitor Pereira following the termination of his contract, and it marks the start of a new direction at the City Ground, with Forest expected to reshape key areas of the squad to suit Glasner’s tactical style.
Glasner is known for structure, discipline and aggressive wing-back play, which immediately places emphasis on the wide areas.
That is why Forest are already being linked with a number of full-backs and wing-backs who can provide energy up and down the pitch.
One of the latest names to emerge is Atalanta’s Raoul Bellanova.
According to TuttoMercatoWeb journalist Alessio Del Lungo, Forest have made an enquiry for the Atalanta defender as part of a growing list of Premier League clubs tracking him.
Fulham are also said to have shown interest, setting up a potential domestic battle for the Italian this summer.
Bellanova is expected to leave Atalanta, with TMW suggesting his departure is certain if the right offer arrives.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
This story comes from Alessio Del Lungo, who is generally viewed as a solid Italian transfer journalist, working mainly within the TuttoMercatoWeb ecosystem. He is often first to publish developing Serie A-related rumours and club enquiries, which can give early visibility on stories. However, his reports are best treated as early signals rather than firm guarantees. He is more useful for tracking interest and contact between clubs. |
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Finances |
Bellanova’s potential move to Forest looks financially realistic based on current market reporting, with Atalanta said to value him in the £13m–£17m range depending on structure and bonuses. Forest could afford that level of fee without breaking PSR/SCR rules, especially if payments are staggered or linked to appearances and performance targets. The key factor is competition, as Fulham and other Premier League clubs are also tracking him, which could push the final price slightly higher. |
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Insight |
Bellanova has rebuilt his career through persistence after struggling to break through at AC Milan. He developed into a consistent Serie A performer at Cagliari and Atalanta, earning Italy international recognition. His growth reflects a late-blooming modern full-back combining pace, attacking drive and versatility. |
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Impact |
Glasner’s switch to Forest points towards a clear 3-4-2-1 system, which relies heavily on energetic wing-backs. Bellanova fits that role. The Atalanta defender is quick, strong in transition and comfortable pushing high up the right flank. Bellanova would operate as a right wing-back, providing width, overlaps and recovery runs in equal measure. His Serie A experience and £17m valuation make him a realistic target. If signed, he would add pace, attacking threat and balance to Forest’s wide options. |
The asking price is believed to be around £17 million, a fee that reflects both his development in Serie A and his growing reputation as one of the most athletic wide defenders in Italy.
For Forest, the timing of this interest is no coincidence.
How Raoul Bellanova would fit into Oliver Glasner’s Forest side
With Glasner now in charge, the squad is expected to be tailored towards players who can operate in a high-intensity system.
Bellanova fits that profile well.
He is naturally suited to playing as a right-sided wing-back, but also has the ability to operate as a traditional right-back if required. His pace, stamina and willingness to push forward make him an ideal candidate for a Glasner system that relies heavily on width and quick transitions.
During his time in Serie A, Bellanova has built a reputation for consistently covering large distances during matches, often making overlapping runs to support attacks while also tracking back effectively when possession is lost.
That balance is exactly what modern Premier League managers look for in wide defenders.
Fulham’s involvement, as well as other rivals, adds competition, meaning any deal could develop quickly if either club decides to push forward.
At £17m, Bellanova represents a relatively modest investment in today’s market for a player with top-flight European experience. However, Forest will need to weigh up their priorities carefully, especially as they continue to rebuild following managerial changes and squad adjustments.
Bellanova looks like a very sensible fit for Forest under Glasner, having also racked up 13 assists in total over the last two seasons.
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The Tricky Trees have shortlisted him as a replacement for Elliot Anderson.
