Nottingham Forest Eye Jean-Philippe Mateta as Chris Wood Replacement

Nottingham Forest’s recent defeat to Aston Villa has highlighted the club’s growing need for attacking reinforcements. With Chris Wood sidelined and Taiwo Awoniyi also struggling with injuries, the club’s hopes of Champions League qualification have been dampened by a lack of firepower. Despite an admirable 18-goal season from Wood, the 33-year-old’s age has raised concerns over how much longer he can carry the offensive load for Forest.

The loss at Villa Park exposed Forest’s striking vulnerabilities. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo admitted that his side was disorganized in the first half, unable to take advantage of the few chances they created. While they improved in the second half, they failed to score and walked away with nothing. Espirito Santo’s frustration was clear, acknowledging that the defeat left the team in a difficult position mentally as they aim to secure a spot in next season’s Champions League.

With Chris Wood’s future uncertain and Awoniyi facing a hamstring issue, Forest are actively exploring options to reinforce their attack ahead of the summer transfer window. One of the players they have reportedly made contact with is Jean-Philippe Mateta, the French striker currently playing for Crystal Palace. According to TeamTalk’s Rudy Galetti, Nottingham Forest are keen to secure the 26-year-old’s services, with Palace reportedly valuing him at around £40 million.

Mateta has been in superb form this season, scoring 16 goals across all competitions. His recent performance, including a stunning goal against Brighton & Hove Albion, has caught the attention of several top clubs, including Manchester United. Mateta has consistently proven himself as a capable goalscorer, and his abilities make him a perfect fit for Forest, especially in the absence of Wood.

In addition to his impressive goal tally, Mateta’s physicality and work rate align well with the demands of the Premier League. His ability to hold up the ball and finish clinically in the box would provide Forest with the cutting edge they need in the final stretch of their Champions League push.

The French striker’s potential move to Forest could provide the team with the striking solution they desperately need. If Mateta continues his strong form, he could become a key figure in Forest’s quest for European football next season. As the summer window approaches, all eyes will be on whether Forest can secure this highly sought-after talent to bolster their attack.