Forest and Arsenal ready to do battle over Wissa

Nottingham Forest will explore a move for Yoane Wissa, the Brentford forward, if Taiwo Awoniyi leaves the City Ground during the January transfer window.

Wissa has emerged as a leading target for Forest, with Arsenal also understood to have added the DR Congo international to their list of striker targets.

The 28-year-old has scored 12 goals in all competitions for Brentford this season, with his latest strike coming against Manchester City on Tuesday night.

With Awoniyi’s future uncertain as interest grows from West Ham United, Wissa is a genuine target for Forest. Arsenal are also admirers of Wissa, who appeals to both clubs as a forward who can play across the front three.

Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, has confirmed that the club are in the market for a new striker after injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.

Wissa moved to Brentford in August 2021 after an £8.5million transfer from French club Lorient.

Nuno Espirito Santo has guided Forest to third place this season and a forward is their first-choice target in the January window if Awoniyi leaves. “The transfer window in January is very difficult, and one of the things we are sure on is that we have a good squad,” Nuno said.

Forest are also open to potential outgoings, with Republic of Ireland centre-back Andrew Omobamidele attracting interest from Leeds and Sheffield United as well as overseas.