Forest’s £20m bid for Brighton’s Yasin Ayari was rejected, but interest remains—punters should expect odds to shorten on Ayari joining Forest and on Forest making another midfield signing before the window closes, while markets for Mateta and Forest’s attacking depth may shift.
Forest set to return with fresh approach after £20m Ayari bid turned down
Nottingham Forest are preparing a second bid for Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari after an opening £20 million offer was rejected. The 22-year-old has emerged as a regular for Brighton this season, registering 23 appearances, four goals and one assist, and he already has 17 caps for Sweden.
Brighton stance and recent dealings
Brighton have been clear in recent windows that they are selective about departures. The club resisted earlier approaches for Lewis Dunk, who signed a one-year extension and looks set to remain through the summer. Brighton have also been linked with defensive and midfield stability, making any sale of a key player like Ayari conditional on replacement options.
Forest’s wider transfer strategy
Forest’s activity in this window shows targeted reinforcement. The club has made multiple offers for Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, with decisive talks expected after the upcoming Premier League match at the City Ground. Forest have already secured Italy forward Lorenzo Lucca on loan from Napoli for the remainder of the season and have cut short Douglas Luiz’s loan to enable his return to Aston Villa. With Elliot Anderson widely expected to depart for a club-record fee this summer, Forest are prioritising additions in his role now.
What this means for betting markets
The rejection of the initial bid is likely to push bookmakers to shorten the odds on Forest making a renewed offer or completing a midfield signing before the window closes.
Odds on Ayari joining Forest should tighten if reports of renewed interest persist; simultaneously, markets for Mateta’s destination and Forest’s attacking reinforcements may see movement.
Punters should monitor official confirmations and late-window activity before placing decisive bets.
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Forest have also made multiple offers for Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta, though decisive conversations are unlikely to take place until after the fixture at the City Ground this Sunday.
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