Arthur Theate makes Frankfurt exit decision as Nottingham Forest make contact

Nottingham Forest’s summer transfer window is beginning to take shape as Vitor Pereira looks to strengthen his squad following a campaign that ended with the club narrowly preserving its Premier League status.

The biggest news surrounding Forest this week involves star midfielder Elliot Anderson.

Credible reports have suggested Man City made an opening bid for the England international, only for it to be rejected by Forest (David Ornstein).

Anderson’s performances over the past season have only strengthened his standing at the City Ground, but they may be resigned to losing him to an elite English rival as a result.

However, Evangelos Marinakis is unlikely to let him leave on the cheap, with reports suggesting the Greek tycoon could demand up to £120m.

The former Newcastle United midfielder has established himself as a key figure under Pereira, combining energy, creativity and defensive work-rate in the centre of the pitch.

Forest’s reluctance to entertain City’s initial approach underlines how highly they value the 23-year-old and highlights the club’s determination to avoid losing key members of the squad for pennies.

At the same time, Forest are continuing to assess potential additions.

Recent reports have linked the club with Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta as Marinakis looks to back Pereira with a new centre-forward.

Elsewhere, Galatasaray winger Roland Sallai has also been mentioned as a target, while negotiations over Roma defender Jan Ziolkowski have reportedly continued following claims from Italy that talks between the clubs could take place in the coming days.

Now another defensive option has emerged.

According to Sky Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Nottingham Forest have made contact regarding a possible move for Eintracht Frankfurt defender Arthur Theate.

The Belgian international has spent the last two seasons with Frankfurt and is understood to be open to a new challenge.

Tavolieri reports that Forest are among the clubs to have made enquiries, alongside Bournemouth, as interest in the defender begins to intensify.

Theate is a player with significant experience across several major European leagues.

Before joining Frankfurt, he built a strong reputation in Italy during his time with Bologna, where his performances attracted widespread attention. His displays in Serie A helped earn a move to Germany, and he has continued to develop into one of Belgium’s more reliable defenders.

That background explains why interest extends beyond England.

Tavolieri’s report notes that Theate remains highly regarded in Italy, with clubs in Serie A continuing to monitor his situation. Forest therefore appear likely to face competition if they decide to pursue a formal offer.

From Pereira’s perspective, the appeal is clear.

Theate is capable of operating as a central defender but can also fill in at left-back when required. That versatility would provide Forest with additional tactical flexibility, something that often proves valuable over the course of a long Premier League season.

The 26-year-old is also entering what many would consider the prime years of his career. His experience at international level with Belgium and in European competition would bring additional quality to Forest’s defensive unit.

Whether the interest develops into concrete negotiations remains to be seen.

With Anderson attracting serious attention from City and several incoming targets under consideration, Forest look set for another busy summer.