Nottingham Forest push for Dilane Bakwa with €4m-boosted bid – Strasbourg hold firm

Nottingham Forest’s chase for Dilane Bakwa has intensified, with L’Equipe confirming the Premier League club have upped their offer to €31m for the RC Strasbourg winger. The 21-year-old Frenchman, who impressed with six goals and nine assists last season, has emerged as a key target for Nuno Espírito Santo as he looks to sharpen his attacking options.

The Reds’ initial proposal — €24m plus €4m in bonuses — was rejected last week, with Strasbourg making clear they want a €35m fixed fee. French journalist Mohamed Toubache-Ter added fuel to the transfer buzz on X (formerly Twitter), reporting the new offer as €31m excluding bonuses, creating a small discrepancy in figures between sources.

Regardless of the finer details, both agree Strasbourg remain unconvinced. With Bakwa contracted until 2027, the Ligue 1 side hold a strong negotiating hand, much like Lyon did in recent sagas involving Premier League suitors.

With Forest preparing for a crucial run of fixtures, including a tough opener against a top-six rival, the question looms: will they meet Strasbourg’s price, or risk missing out on their top summer target?

Bakwa offers exactly the sort of direct pace, dribbling threat, and end product Forest have lacked in wide areas. His ability to operate on either flank and cut inside to create or shoot makes him a versatile weapon for Nuno’s 4-3-3 and counter-attacking setups.

Having produced 15 goal contributions in Ligue 1 last season, Bakwa’s numbers stack up well against many wingers already in England’s top flight. Nuno’s Forest, who at times struggled to break down compact defences, could see him as the final piece to stretch the pitch and open space for their strikers.

From reviewing his last three matches, Bakwa is timing his diagonal runs more effectively, often arriving in pockets of space behind the opposition midfield. This would complement Forest’s rapid counters, particularly with Taiwo Awoniyi or Chris Wood occupying central defenders.

However, his defensive work rate still fluctuates. In the Premier League, where wide players are often tasked with tracking back and doubling up, this could be an early adjustment point. That said, under Nuno’s structure, Bakwa could quickly learn the disciplined side of the game.

Forest are now in a decision-making window: either edge closer to Strasbourg’s asking price or risk losing momentum in negotiations. Given their clear need for a dynamic wide threat, the pressure is on the recruitment team to deliver before the summer window closes.

If Strasbourg continue to hold firm, Forest may either walk away or re-enter with a final, incentive-loaded bid. Timing will be key, with the Premier League season already underway and the squad needing to settle before September’s fixture congestion.

Should Nottingham Forest push to meet Strasbourg’s €35m demand — or gamble on finding a cheaper alternative?