Nottingham Forest have been heavily linked with a move for Maxwel Cornet, and now a reliable source has dropped an update on the club’s pursuit of the player this summer.
What’s the latest?
According to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, Nottingham Forest are still pushing to sign Burnley winger Cornet.
Jacobs tweeted:
“Maxwel Cornet interest has substance, too. Everton & Forest pushing. He was actually offered to Newcastle earlier in window for his £17.5m release clause.”
Supporters will be excited
Forest’s intent on improving their squad over this summer will surely leave supporters excited about the Premier League season ahead, after being outside of top-flight football for 23 years, and the signing of Cornet would be the perfect signing to finish off a successful transfer window for the Reds.
It was reported that Steve Cooper was still keen to sign another striker, and whilst Cornet is not traditionally a striker, the player’s versatility in his positioning would be a very valuable asset at The City Ground this season.
The Burnley star offers experience and reliability across the front three, as well as in the left midfield and left-back role, and his debut season in English football couldn’t have gone better with the Clarets.
Over 26 Premier League appearances, Cornet scored nine goals, delivered one assist and created two big chances, winning 2.8 duels and taking 1.8 shots per game, finishing up the season as the club’s top goal-scorer.
As a result of his impact at Turf Moor, the Ivorian forward was the recipient of high praise with former England international Owen Hargreaves hailing Cornet “one of the best signings of the season”(via Lancs Live):
“He is a fabulous goal scorer and probably one of the signings of the season so far.
Do you think Cornet would be a good signing?
Yes
No
“At £12m, it feels like a snip. He gives them something different, he can be direct, can play on the shoulder and is a fabulous finisher, probably better than anyone anticipated.”
With that being said, Cornet could be the positive influence Forest need if he can make a similar or better impact on the newly-promoted side should the powers at The City Ground find themselves able to secure a deal for the player, but with other Premier League clubs interested, Forest will need to act fast.
AND in other news: Cooper can land his own Patrick Vieira as Forest eye move for “superb” £10m “monster”