30 August 2023 , 08:09
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Nottingham Forest are set to sign former Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi as he edges close to a return to the Premier League.
Steve Cooper’s men are on the lookout for more attacking options as they attempt to retain their top-flight status for a third consecutive season. Batshuayi, who has spent the last two seasons in Turkey with Fenerbahce and Besiktas, is seen as an ideal option.
It is the second time that Forest have attempted to sign the Belgian having also been linked with him 12 months ago upon their promotion to the Premier League. They are set to be successful in their attempts this time around.
According to Foot Mercato, a deal is close. Batshuayi has reportedly already agreed personal terms with the Reds and they will now attempt to secure a deal with his current employers Fenerbahce, who are said to want £8m for the striker.
A switch to the City Ground would signal a return to the Premier League for the 51-time Belgium international. The 29-year-old initially arrived on English shores in a £33m switch to Chelsea in the summer of 2016.
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Batshuayi’s spell at Stamford Bridge was strange. Over the six years that he was contracted to the Blues, he only made 77 appearances for the club but still managed to score 25 goals - one of those being the winner against West Bromwich Albion to secure the Premier League title.
Michy Batshuayi endured a difficult spell with former club Chelsea (Getty Images)Would Michy Batshuayi be a good signing for Nottingham Forest? Share your thoughts in the comments below
He was also sent out on a series of loans to Borussia Dortmund, Valencia, Besiktas, as well as two spells with Premier League rivals Crystal Palace - some being more successful than others. Batshuayi finally brought his spell in West London to an end last summer by penning a permanent contract with Fenerbahce.
He has enjoyed a prolific time of things with the Turkish giants having scored 22 goals in just 38 outings since his arrival. Despite that record, he might have a tough battle on his hands to lead the line for Forest.
Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi is currently in scintillating form and has scored in his last seven Premier League appearances. Forest also have Chris Wood and Emmanuel Dennis as centre-forward options.
Following a hectic summer last term, Forest have been somewhat more reserved in the market this summer, with Batshuayi potentially becoming their seventh arrival of the current window. They might not be done there though.
The Reds have been linked with a raid on East Midlands neighbours Leicester City for midfielder Wilfred Ndidi. The Nigerian scored in the Foxes’ Carabao Cup victory against Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday night having also been linked with Bayern Munich and Liverpool.