Nottingham Forest set for imminent Roma talks over Jan Ziolkowski

Nottingham Forest are expected to be active in the transfer market as Vitor Pereira looks to build upon a solid end to 2025/2026.

Following Forest’s successful battle for Premier League survival, owner Evangelos Marinakis is understood to be preparing to back Pereira in the market, with several targets already linked over the past week.

One of the most prominent recent names is Galatasaray’s Roland Sallai, with multiple reports suggesting Forest are exploring a move for the Hungary international as they look to strengthen their wide options.

The versatile attacker has been repeatedly linked with the club in recent weeks and is believed to be one of several players under consideration as Forest seek more quality in forward areas.

Forest have also been linked with Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, a player admired by a number of Premier League clubs, with Everton believed to be in pole position right now.

Reports over recent weeks have suggested Pereira wants additional attacking flair, with Marinakis also expected to support the manager by signing a striker.

Forest appear determined to avoid another campaign spent looking over their shoulder at the bottom of the table.

One position that could be reinforced soon is centre-back.

Nottingham Forest to meet Roma in coming days over Jan Ziolkowski

According to SportMediaset, Forest are pushing to sign Roma defender Jan Ziolkowski and are expected to meet with the Italian club in the coming days in an effort to reach a ‘definitive agreement’.

The report claims there remains a gap between Roma’s valuation and Forest’s current offer.

Italian reports suggest Forest are willing to offer around €15 million (£12.7 million), while Roma are seeking closer to €20 million (£17 million).

That leaves a difference of approximately €5 million (£4.2 million), but negotiations are continuing and there is optimism from SM that discussions could advance soon.

The financial context behind the deal is particularly important.

Roma are reportedly under pressure to generate significant capital gains before the end of June as they work to satisfy financial commitments agreed with UEFA.

As a result, several players have been linked with moves away from the Stadio Olimpico, including Matias Soule to Aston Villa, and Ziolkowski is viewed as one of the club’s most realistic for-sale candidates.

That situation could strengthen Forest’s position.

Rather than negotiating with a club determined to keep the player at all costs, Forest are dealing with a side that may need to complete sales before a looming financial deadline.

Roma are still holding firm on their valuation, but there is a clear incentive for them to find a solution if the right offer arrives.

Ziolkowski only joined Roma from Legia Warsaw in August 2025, arriving in a deal worth around £5 million plus add-ons. The Polish defender remains highly regarded despite not becoming a regular starter during his first season in Italy, and Forest appear convinced he has the attributes to develop into a Premier League defender.

For Pereira, the pursuit makes sense.

Forest’s defensive record improved after his arrival, but the club remain keen to add depth and competition across the back line. At 20 years old, Ziolkowski would fit the profile of a player capable of contributing immediately while also offering long-term value.

The coming days could now prove crucial.

With SportMediaset reporting that talks between the clubs are expected, Forest have an opportunity to turn their interest into a concrete agreement.

Whether they are willing to bridge the remaining gap in valuation remains to be seen.