Nottingham Forest have wasted no time or resources in making sure that they have a squad fit to compete in the Premier League this season, and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.
What's the latest?
According to Italian news outlet Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Nottingham Forest have made contact about signing Andrea Pinamonti this summer.
As per the report, the newly-promoted Premier League club have been in contact with Inter Milan to find out what kind of deal the Serie A club would be willing to accept, with a reported price tag of €20m (£16.7m).
Imagine him & Lingard
It has been reported that despite already signing 12 new players this summer, Steve Cooper wants to add another centre-forward to his new-look squad at The City Ground, and Pinamonti could be the perfect choice for the Reds.
After struggling to gain game time with Inter Milan, the Italian striker went on loan to Empoli and finally got the chance to prove his worth with first-team football.
Over 36 appearances, the 23-year-old scored 13 goals, delivered two assists and created four big chances, while taking 2.5 shots and winning 4.4 duels per game, displaying his goal-scoring talents that could be a hugely valuable asset to Cooper this season in the Premier League.
Despite his inability to hit the ground running with Inter, former manager Antonio Conte lavished praise on the young goal machine hailing Pinamonti an "excellent prospect" in an interview with Sky Sports Italia.
“I was asked three weeks ago which player had improved the most. I would like to name Andrea Pinamonti, because he worked with us throughout the season, he has grown so much, and he knows it’s not easy to have Lukaku, Lautaro and Sanchez ahead of him, but he has some great characteristics and is an excellent prospect."
If Forest could secure a deal for the player this summer, Cooper could form a formidable attacking partnership between Pinamonti and new signing Jesse Lingard this season, combining Lingard's creativity from the attacking midfield role and Pinamonti's hunger for goals.
The former Manchester United star, like Pinamonti, struggled for game-time with his club, but thrived just like the Italian when given the opportunity to play when on loan with West Ham United. During his time there, he scored nine goals and contributed five assists in 16 appearances, demonstrating how deadly he could be when utilised alongside a player such as the Italian.
With that being said, the signing of Pinamonti would be a big signing for Cooper, and if he can strike up the attacking partnership between the player and Lingard it could be the key to unlocking a great season ahead for the Reds.