Nottingham Forest step up Harrison Armstrong transfer after Everton talks opened

Nottingham Forest have moved decisively in the market, switching their attention to Harrison Armstrong after frustrating attempts to land Tottenham midfielders Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr. According to TeamTalk, Forest are now actively pursuing the Everton teenager in a deal that could reach £40m plus add-ons.

The development follows what has been described as a double rejection from Spurs. Forest “made an approach for Bergvall earlier in the window, but Spurs rejected their bid for the Sweden international”. Sarr was also firmly on the radar, but the situation around the Senegal midfielder has remained crowded and complicated, with “a host of clubs showing interest”.

That has prompted Forest to pivot quickly, and there appears to be genuine momentum behind their latest move. TEAMtalk understands “progress is being made” in discussions over Armstrong, a player who has enhanced his standing significantly in recent months.

Harrison Armstrong becomes key Nottingham Forest target

Armstrong’s rise at Everton has been one of the more eye-catching stories of the summer. The 19-year-old “has made huge strides this summer and has emerged as an increasingly important player for Everton”. He underlined that growing trust by starting Everton’s opening match of the campaign, a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, alongside Hayden Hackney.

Forest’s interest is now serious. The report states that “Forest have now made an offer worth £40million plus add-ons, with Everton discussing the proposal.” That is a major figure for a player still at the start of his senior journey, but it also reflects how strongly Forest rate his ceiling.

There is a clear recruitment theme to this move. Forest believe Armstrong could mirror the development curve of Elliot Anderson, who arrived at the City Ground with promise and limited top-flight exposure before becoming an important figure. Internally, Armstrong is viewed in a similar bracket, technical, energetic and capable of adapting to different midfield demands.

Everton weighing major decision on £40m offer

Everton’s stance is now central to the story. TEAMtalk says “Everton are now facing a major decision over his future” and that the arrival of Christian Norgaard has helped create a context in which they are “willing to listen to Forest’s interest, despite Armstrong’s rapid emergence”.

The player’s position is also significant. TEAMtalk adds that “Armstrong is open to the move”, an important detail as Forest try to turn admiration into an agreement. With talks ongoing, the Midlands club are pushing hard in the hope that their £40m-plus package will be enough to force a breakthrough.

Our View

From a Nottingham Forest perspective, this is the kind of report that immediately grabs attention. Armstrong feels like a target with a logic to it. He is young, clearly upwardly mobile, and already trusted enough to feature prominently for Everton. If Forest truly believe he can follow the Elliot Anderson path, that says plenty about how highly he is being regarded behind the scenes.

There will naturally be debate around the price. £40m plus add-ons is serious money for a 19-year-old who is only just beginning to establish himself. Supporters will ask whether that figure could be spread across two or three positions, especially if there are other needs in the squad. Even so, elite potential costs heavily now, particularly when the player is homegrown and Premier League-tested.

The most encouraging part of this report is the conviction. Forest do not seem to be drifting after missing out on Bergvall and Sarr. They have identified another profile quickly and appear prepared to act. That suggests clarity in the recruitment process, which is vital late in a window.

If Armstrong is open to the move and Oliver Glasner sees him as a stylistic fit, that matters. Forest need midfielders who can cope physically, play progressively and grow in value. On the face of it, Armstrong ticks those boxes. It is a bold move, and one that would signal serious ambition if Forest can get it over the line.