Nottingham Forest are being linked with a move for Union Berlin's Serbian forward Andrej Ilić as the summer transfer window activity intensifies. Our analysis of the past seven days shows the club has been tied to eight possible arrivals and two potential exits, with the future of Arne Engels emerging as the hottest storyline. The latest news on the most important transfer rumours surrounding the Reds is detailed below.
Andrej Ilić
On Monday, it was reported that Nottingham Forest have joined Coventry City in showing interest in Union Berlin's 26-year-old Serbian forward, Andrej Ilic. The striker joined his current club in July 2025 and his contract expires at the end of the next season. In January 2026, Union Berlin's asking price for Ilic was reportedly between £7 million and £10 million, while his current market value is estimated by Transfermarkt to be €9.00m.
Jan Ziółkowski
Polish international Jan Ziółkowski has reportedly attracted interest from English clubs, according to a report on Sunday. While AFC Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion have been previously mentioned, a move for the player is reportedly not a priority for those two teams. Representatives from Nottingham Forest have verbally expressed interest in the 20-year-old central defender, valuing him at around 15 million euros, a figure that probably includes bonuses. Roma's management is said to have considered this proposal too low, as the club reportedly expects to receive approximately 20 million euros. Ziółkowski joined Roma in August 2025 and has a contract with the club until June 2030.
Elliot Anderson
As of Sunday, Manchester United are behind their rivals Manchester City in the pursuit of Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson. The Telegraph reports that Forest is understood to want a fee similar to the €132million (£115m) that Chelsea paid to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton in 2023. On Friday, The Mirror reported that Man Utd have conceded to Man City in the competition to sign the midfielder.
Jack Butland
Nottingham Forest has reportedly been interested in Jack Butland on several occasions, which on Monday was considered the most prominent link for the 33-year-old English goalkeeper. A potential departure from Rangers is possible as the club is reportedly planning a squad overhaul and has been exploring other goalkeepers. Butland has one season remaining on his contract at Ibrox, and any potential move to a Premier League side is linked to clubs seeking to meet homegrown player regulations.
Davide Frattesi
According to Tuttomercato on Monday, Nottingham Forest has a renewed interest in signing Davide Frattesi from Inter. In January, the midfielder was close to joining Nottingham Forest, and the English club is again approaching Inter for him. Frattesi wants a new challenge with more playing time for next season and has options other than the Premier League.
Arne Engels
There is uncertainty whether Arne Engels will stay at Celtic this summer, it was reported on Sunday. He has started all five post-split games after returning from injury. Ten days ago, it was reported that Nottingham Forest are planning to make another bid for the central midfielder and that Dermot Desmond is now willing to sell him.
Jean-Philippe Mateta
On Wednesday, it was reported that Nottingham Forest continue to be interested in Jean-Philippe Mateta, although his preference is reportedly for a move to Italy if he were to leave south London during the off-season.
For all the latest transfer news, visit the Nottingham Forest club page.
