Nottingham Forest is making significant strides in their summer transfer activities, aiming to bolster their defense with a promising addition. The club has been spending aggressively, reminiscent of a Champions League squad, especially following the £116m transfer fee received from Manchester City for Elliot Anderson.

As owner Evangelos Marinakis seeks to ensure the team avoids a repeat of last year's relegation struggles, the latest signing could be the standout of the window. Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Nottingham Forest is in advanced negotiations to acquire Ousmane Diomande, a central defender from Sporting CP.

• Nottingham Forest is reportedly confident about finalizing the deal shortly after submitting their bid.
• The proposal is expected to be significantly lower than Diomande's €80m release clause, with a total package of around €40m, including add-ons.

This potential acquisition represents a remarkable bargain for Nottingham Forest. Historically, several clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea, have expressed interest in the talented Ivory Coast defender, often facing quotes well above his release clause. Although Diomande's stock may have dipped recently, he remains a 22-year-old with substantial domestic and European experience, poised to make an impact in the Premier League.