Brighton are preparing to reject a substantial £20m bid from Nottingham Forest for midfielder Yasin Ayari, as the relegation-threatened visitors attempt to strengthen their squad before Monday’s transfer deadline. According to Bbc.com.
Brighton poised to turn down Forest’s £20m Ayari approach before deadline
Forest have submitted the £20m offer for the Sweden international as they look to bolster their squad in their fight against relegation. However, sources have confirmed to BBC Sport that Brighton will turn down the approach for the 22-year-old midfielder.
The bid represents a significant markup on Brighton’s original investment in Ayari, who joined the Seagulls from AIK Stockholm in 2023 for just £3.5m. Since his arrival at the Amex Stadium, the Swedish midfielder has established himself as a regular, making 66 appearances and scoring six goals.
Ayari’s development has included valuable loan experience in the Championship, with spells at both Blackburn and Coventry helping to accelerate his adaptation to English football. The midfielder demonstrated his current form by scoring in Brighton’s recent 2-1 defeat at Fulham on Saturday.
Forest have already made one significant addition during the January window, securing Italy international Lorenzo Lucca on loan from Napoli to strengthen their attacking options. The club are also monitoring Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa as they seek cover following John Victor’s season-ending knee injury.
With Victor ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, Forest’s goalkeeper situation has become pressing as he had been sharing duties with Matz Sels. The club’s pursuit of multiple targets reflects the urgency of their situation as they battle to avoid relegation.
