Nottingham Forest are intensifying their efforts to secure the signing of promising AS Roma defender Jan Ziolkowski, with talks set to accelerate in the coming days. The Premier League club has already expressed strong interest in the 20-year-old Poland international, and a formal meeting between the two sides is on the horizon to bridge the remaining valuation gap.
Ziolkowski joined Roma from Legia Warsaw in the summer of 2025 for approximately €6 million. Despite showing flashes of his considerable potential, the young centre-back has struggled for regular first-team minutes under manager Gian Piero Gasperini. This limited role has prompted him to seek a fresh challenge where he can establish himself as a regular starter.
Background on the Player
Born on June 5, 2005, the 1.94m-tall defender rose through the ranks at Polonia Warsaw before making the move to Legia Warsaw in 2022. He broke into the senior setup during the 2024/25 season, impressing with his composure on the ball, aerial ability, and reading of the game. Ziolkowski made 24 league appearances for Legia, contributing one goal, and also featured in European competitions.
His performances earned him a move to Serie A, where he has worn the No.24 shirt for Roma. In the 2025/26 campaign, he has featured in 18 Serie A matches (starting just five), plus appearances in the Coppa Italia and Europa League. While he has yet to score in the league, he netted once in Europe and has shown defensive solidity with strong passing accuracy (around 88-91%) and progressive carries.
At international level, the Poland youth international is viewed as a future senior star, adding to his appeal for clubs seeking long-term value.
Why Nottingham Forest Are Pushing Hard
Nottingham Forest, under manager Vitor Pereira, are looking to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season. With a solid core built around players like Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic, and Ola Aina, the addition of a young, ball-playing centre-back like Ziolkowski fits their profile of signing high-upside talents who can develop into key squad members.
Forest have already verbally proposed a deal in the region of €15 million, including performance-related bonuses. This reflects their confidence in the player’s potential while remaining prudent in a competitive transfer market. Multiple reports indicate Forest are the most advanced Premier League club in the race, with previous interest from West Ham weakened by their recent challenges, and other sides like Brighton and Bournemouth monitoring but not prioritising the deal.
The move would represent a significant step up in exposure for Ziolkowski, offering him regular Premier League football and the chance to prove himself against top competition. Sources suggest personal terms are close or could be easily finalised, as the player is keen on a fresh opportunity.
The €5m Gap and Roma’s Financial Situation
According to Italian outlets including Sportmediaset and Siamo La Roma, Roma value Ziolkowski at around €20 million. This figure would deliver a healthy capital gain on their original €6 million investment, helping the Giallorossi meet ongoing Financial Fair Play (FFP) requirements ahead of the June 30 deadline.
Roma are under pressure to generate sales to stay compliant with UEFA’s settlement agreement, which runs until 2026. Reports suggest they need substantial capital gains this summer, making Ziolkowski one of several potential exits. While the €5 million difference between Forest’s €15m offer and Roma’s €20m demand remains, insiders describe it as “not unbridgeable,” paving the way for imminent negotiations.
A meeting between the clubs is expected soon to iron out the final details. Forest are prepared to increase their bid closer to Roma’s asking price if the structure (including add-ons and payment terms) works in their favour. For Roma, selling now would represent smart business on a player who has not broken into the regular starting XI.
Potential Impact at the City Ground
Should the deal go through, Ziolkowski would add depth and competition to Forest’s backline. His height and aerial prowess would be useful in both defensive and set-piece situations, while his technical ability aligns with Pereira’s desire for defenders comfortable in possession.
Forest’s recruitment strategy in recent windows has focused on value and potential, with successful examples of integrating young talents into the squad. Ziolkowski fits this mould perfectly — young enough to grow with the team but ready to contribute in the Premier League.
Analysts note that his limited minutes at Roma (around 500 in Serie A) could be a blessing, as he arrives fresh and hungry for game time. His adaptability to different systems also makes him a versatile option, capable of playing in a back three or four.
Broader Transfer Context for Nottingham Forest
This pursuit comes amid a relatively measured summer window for Forest, who are aiming for three or four key additions rather than a major overhaul. Priorities include another forward (with loan returns on the horizon) and possibly further midfield or defensive reinforcement, depending on outgoing movements.
Key players like Morgan Gibbs-White, Murillo, and Ibrahim Sangare are seen as integral to the project, with the club working to retain its core. Securing Ziolkowski would send a positive signal about Forest’s ambitions to build sustainably while competing in the upper half of the table.
From Roma’s perspective, offloading the defender would free up squad space and funds as they look to balance their books before gaining more financial freedom post-2026. The club has several other names under consideration for potential sales to achieve their targets.
What Happens Next?
With both clubs motivated — Forest for squad strengthening and Roma for financial compliance — momentum is building. The upcoming meeting will be crucial in determining whether the €5m obstacle can be overcome through creative structuring, such as instalments, sell-on clauses, or performance bonuses.
Fans of Nottingham Forest will be watching developments closely, as a successful signing could bolster defensive options and add exciting long-term potential to the squad. For Ziolkowski, a move to the Premier League represents a major career opportunity at just 20 years old.
Transfer windows are notoriously fluid, and while optimism surrounds this deal, details still need finalising. However, the concrete interest and willingness from both sides suggest that a resolution could arrive sooner rather than later.
