Nottingham Forest could be set to add yet another summer signing to their list as they hope to raid a European giant…

What’s the word?

According to Spanish publication AS, the Tricky Trees are in advanced talks with Real Madrid over the signing of Alvaro Odriozola.

The Spanish right-back is keen on a move to the Premier League, and Los Blancos are hoping to offload him permanently rather than loan him out again.

He is unlikely to receive many minutes for Carlo Ancelotti’s side and could move to the City Ground to battle with Neco Williams for the right wing-back position. 

Shades of Carvajal

Many would have expected Odriozola to be the natural successor to Dani Carvajal at the Bernabeu, but that did not materialise.

Once labelled a “special player” with “great talent” by various members of the media, the 26-year-old has struggled to develop into the outstanding player that he was billed in his early footballing years.

Nonetheless, the Spaniard will leave the Bernabeu with a wealth of experience. He has featured 20 times across various European competitions including the Champions League, spent a season on loan at Bayern Munich and made 81 La Liga appearances for Real Madrid and Real Sociedad.

He would join an ever-changing Forest squad as one of the most experienced members in the dressing room and could help nurture Williams into one of the best young full-backs in Europe.

The £118k-per-week Spaniard made 25 Serie A appearances on loan at Fiorentina last season and impressed with his offensive desire. Ranking in the top 5% among positional peers in Europe's top five leagues for progressive passes received, combined with his 2.7 shot-creating actions per 90, Odriozola was certainly a constant attacking threat whenever he featured.

Carvajal boasts similar numbers, although his defensive capability shines through more clearly. Whilst featuring for a pragmatic manager in Ancelotti who favours defensive solidity, it is understandable to see why the Italian is seemingly keen to offload the 26-year-old in deference to the 29-cap Spain stalwart.

The 30-year-old averaged 2.08 tackles and 2.44 blocks per 90 last season, while both he and Odriozola boast impressive pass completion rates, outlining their shared efficiency with the ball at their feet. Odriozola’s 87.5% slightly outperforms the 86.4% of his elder positional rival.

The factors which differentiate the reported Forest transfer target from Carvajal is what will have Steve Cooper so desperate to sign him, whilst his time training alongside a five-time Champions League winner will surely have taught him plenty for the rest of his career.