Romano: Premier League team poach €80m Chelsea and Arsenal target for half price

Nottingham Forest are reinforcing their team this summer, and they’re close to a really impressive addition at the back.

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Nottingham Forest were already spending like a Champions League club in the last few years. The record £116m transfer fee they’ve just received from Manchester City for Elliot Anderson has given them an even bigger budget to play with this summer.

A couple of additions have already been made as owner Evangelos Marinakis tries to keep his team clear of the relegation battle they had last year. This next signing could be the best of all. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano is reporting on a deal that is close to being done.

Forest “confident” over €40m defender deal according to Romano

The Tricky Trees are in negotiations to sign Sporting CP central defender Ousmande Diomande, according to Romano. The highly rated

“Nottingham Forest, confident to close Ousmane Diomande deal with Sporting shortly after bid sent,” Romano wrote this morning.

“Proposal will be way below his €80m release clause; around €40m total package add-ons included.”

?? Nottingham Forest, confident to close Ousmane Diomande deal with Sporting shortly after bid sent.

Proposal will be way below €80m release clause; around €40m total package add-ons included. pic.twitter.com/eOkuHU7qRi

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 22, 2026

Of course that’s a huge bargain for Forest. Teams have been linked with the impressive Ivory Coast defender for years, and we’ve heard teams like Arsenal and Chelsea being quoted his €80m release clause and above.

If Forest are getting him for €40m, that’s a truly impressive bargain. Obviously it seems his star has waned a little since those links, but he’s still a 22 year old with massive domestic and European experience who could shine in the Premier League.

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