Nottingham Forest Eyeing Move to Sign 22-year-old Man City Star – Report | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest Eye Manchester City’s James McAtee Amid Ambitious Summer Plans

Nottingham Forest are reportedly keen on signing Manchester City winger James McAtee, according to a Sky Sports News report by Rob Dorsett. As the club prepares for a potentially transformative summer transfer window, Forest’s intentions appear clear: they are planning to reinforce their squad significantly, particularly if they secure a coveted Champions League spot.

Forest Planning for an Elite-Level Summer

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have shown tremendous ambition, and their transfer strategy seems to reflect that. As Dorsett reports, the 22-year-old McAtee “is a player that Nuno Espirito Santo likes and thinks would be a positive addition to his squad.” With Forest poised to enter Europe’s elite competition, there is an understanding at the City Ground that only top-tier signings will suffice.

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There is an exciting mood building around the City Ground. It’s clear Forest are not just planning to make up the numbers in Europe, but to genuinely compete. Securing players of McAtee’s quality, who is described as an England U21 international with significant potential, would be a clear signal of their intent.

Interest in McAtee Persists Regardless of Outgoings

Interestingly, even if Forest manage to retain Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi — both of whom have attracted interest from several top Premier League clubs — their pursuit of McAtee remains firm. As reported, “Sky Sports News has been told McAtee is of interest to Forest even if they keep hold of Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi.”

This approach underlines the club’s strategy of building depth and competition within the squad. Rather than being reactive to departures, Forest seem to be operating proactively, aiming to bolster their ranks and improve quality across the pitch.

Manchester City’s Position on McAtee

One key aspect to note is Manchester City’s stance. So far, there is no indication that Pep Guardiola’s side are ready to sell McAtee. With only one year left on his current deal at the Etihad Stadium, the situation could evolve rapidly. As Dorsett highlights, “there is no indication City would be prepared to sell McAtee,” yet the clock ticking on his contract could lead to opportunities for suitors like Forest.

Photo: IMAGO

Moreover, McAtee is reportedly “being monitored by a number of PL clubs,” which could set up a potential bidding war this summer. For Forest, timing could be crucial in securing the youngster ahead of rival interest.

Future Prospects for McAtee

At just 22 years of age, James McAtee remains one of England’s brightest young talents. A move to Forest could offer him more regular first-team football, something that may not be guaranteed at Manchester City. With Forest’s ambitious project taking shape under Nuno Espirito Santo, McAtee could view the move as an ideal step to accelerate his development.

In the past, players in similar positions have chosen to make strategic moves to clubs where they are guaranteed more minutes, and McAtee could be no different. His decision — and Manchester City’s — will be pivotal to watch in the coming weeks.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Nottingham Forest supporter’s point of view, this is exactly the type of ambition fans have long been craving. The mere fact that Forest are seriously linked with a talent like James McAtee shows how far the club has come under Nuno Espirito Santo.

Champions League qualification would not just be a dream achievement; it would transform Forest’s recruitment ability. A player like McAtee, with technical ability, vision, and energy, fits perfectly into the progressive style Nuno is building. Importantly, McAtee’s age profile also matches the club’s longer-term strategy — a squad that can grow and develop together over several seasons.

Of course, prising a young star from Manchester City is never easy, and with only one year left on his contract, City may still prefer to extend his deal rather than sell. However, Forest fans would be right to feel optimistic. The club is moving smartly and swiftly, giving themselves every chance of beating other Premier League clubs to the punch.

If McAtee were to join, it would signal that Nottingham Forest are no longer just participants in the top flight — they are real contenders, both at home and in Europe. And with Arne Slot now shaping a new Liverpool era, other big clubs are undergoing transition too — perhaps giving Forest a rare window to push even further up the league.