Nottingham Forest are weighing up a summer move for Le Havre centre-back Arouna Sangante as the club prepares to reinforce its defensive options ahead of a busy 2025/26 campaign under Nuno Espirito Santos.
European Campaign Spurs Forest Into Defensive Recruitment
With UEFA Conference League football confirmed for next season, Forest are prioritising depth and quality across all areas of the squad. Although the transfer window has been relatively quiet so far at the City Ground, there is a clear intention to recruit strategically rather than hastily.
Arouna Sangante Draws Wide Interest
According to Le Quotidien, Sangante is now a name of interest to Forest, but they are not alone. Several clubs, including Stuttgart, Augsburg, Sevilla and Marseille, are also monitoring the 23-year-old. However, Manchester United are currently regarded as the front-runners for his signature.
Sangante’s Contract Situation and Market Valuation
Arouna Sangante has just 12 months remaining on his current deal with Le Havre, and the French side could look to cash in this summer. His valuation stands at around £7 million (€8 million). Despite not being a high-volume appearance maker last season, the Senegalese defender made 16 Ligue 1 appearances and found the net three times.
Background and Career Progression
Sangante joined Le Havre in 2017 after spells at Cosmos Saint-Denis and Red Star. He has gradually developed into a first-team regular and is now attracting attention from clubs across multiple top European leagues.
Other Forest Centre-Back Moves This Summer
While talks around Sangante continue, Forest are also nearing the signing of Jair Cunha from Botafogo after the conclusion of the Club World Cup. His teammate Igor Jesus is also expected to follow him to Nottingham.
Last season, Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo were Nuno Espirito Santo’s preferred starting centre-back pairing. Morato featured regularly from the bench, while Willy Boly has been offered a contract extension as his deal expires at the end of June.
Decisions Loom Over Returning and Departing Defenders
Forest must soon decide on the future of Tyler Bindon and David Carmo, both of whom spent time away on loan last season. Meanwhile, Andrew Omobamidele looks set to leave permanently, with Strasbourg reportedly ready to make his loan move permanent.
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