Nottingham Forest supporters will no doubt be feeling a sense of disappointment after Thursday night’s Europa League semi-final defeat against Aston Villa.
However, it has been a journey to remember for all of the Reds faithful, with the memories of trips to Seville, Porto and Utrecht undoubtedly lasting a lifetime.
It’s also a reminder of how far the club have come in such a short period of time, with the side only securing promotion to the Premier League just four years ago.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis will no doubt want European campaigns to be a constant at the City Ground, with the Greek businessman a highly ambitious figure.
As a result, work could already turn to the summer’s transfer window, which could see the hierarchy once again splash the cash to help take the senior ranks to the next level.
Nottingham Forest in talks to land £30m star
Despite the transfer window not opening until early June, Forest have already conducted groundwork on a handful of potential reinforcements for the summer transfer window.
Celtic star Arne Engels was just one player who was strongly linked with a switch to the East Midlands in January, but a move failed to materialise despite three bids being made for the Belgian.
However, a deal could well be on the cards once again this summer, as the Reds have already reignited their interest in securing the 22-year-old’s signature.
Engels isn’t the only midfielder currently in the hierarchy’s sights at present, with Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi once again appearing on the club’s radar.
According to Italian outlet Gazzetta, Forest have re-entered talks with the Serie A outfit over a deal for the Italian, after previous interest in his signature during January.
It’s been reported that the Reds even made an offer to land the 26-year-old, but it was rejected by the player who wanted to remain at the San Siro until the summer at least.
A permanent move to the City Ground could well be on the cards this summer, though, with a £30m price tag being mooted to prise the Italian international away from Inter.
Why Frattesi would be the perfect Anderson replacement
Whilst the majority of the focus will be on incomings this summer, Forest are likely to lose a couple of their star men, with Elliot Anderson the most likely to depart.
The 23-year-old has been one of the division’s leading midfielders this term, as highlighted by his 278 times possession won – over 100 times more than the next midfielder.
However, the England international now looks almost certain to depart the Reds, with Manchester United and Manchester City constantly circling for his signature.
Any deal could see Vitor Pereira’s side recoup a huge profit, as a fee in the region of £100m will be required should any interested party want to secure his services.
Losing Anderson would undoubtedly be a bitter blow for Forest this summer, but ultimately, he deserves the opportunity to move on and reach the next level in his career.
However, a deal for Frattesi could allow the Reds to secure the perfect replacement, with his stats from the current campaign highlighting his quality at the heart of the side.
The Italian has completed 50% of the dribbles he’s attempted this campaign, subsequently highlighting his quality with the ball at his feet – just as Anderson has done in recent months.
The Inter star has also completed 4.5 forward passes per 90 this season, emulating the current Reds star who’s become known for his pinpoint passing accuracy.
However, without the ball, Frattesi has been just as impressive, as seen by his remarkable tally of 6.1 ground duels per 90 and 2.7 successful tackles made per 90.
His talent without the ball is also reflected in his tally of 2.3 ball recoveries made per 90, numbers which could see him mirror Anderson’s impact at the City Ground.
Other numbers, such as 6.1 touches in the opposition box per 90 and 52% duels won, make him the perfect all-round option to replace the £100m star this summer.
Losing Anderson would be a catastrophic blow for Forest this window, with the former Newcastle United star undoubtedly their Player of the Season this campaign.
His quality at both ends of the pitch has been vital to the club’s Europa League run, whilst also helping the Reds pull clear of any looming relegation threat.
As for Frattesi, he will desperately need to emulate the Englishman’s quality upon any move, with the fans expecting an adequate replacement should he depart in the months ahead.
