Nottingham Forest face late Igor Jesus threat as Atlético escalate talks

Nottingham Forest’s grip on Igor Jesus could be tested in the final days of the transfer window, with Atlético Madrid now pushing hard for the Brazilian striker after emerging as serious contenders for his signature.

Spanish outlet Marca report that Atlético have elevated their interest in Jesus, framing the Forest forward as one of their priority attacking targets as the deadline approaches. With the story now firmly established in Madrid media, concern is growing at the City Ground.

Igor Jesus joined Nottingham Forest from Botafogo in July 2025 and has quickly become a regular presence in the side. The Brazil international has returned nine goals and one assist from 29 appearances this season, establishing himself as a reliable attacking option.

Earlier reports suggested Forest could be open to a sale if it helped fund a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. Now that the situation has reached Marca’s pages, the tone feels notably more serious.

Atlético sporting director Mateu Alemany is working to add both a midfielder and an attacker before Monday’s deadline, with Jesus and Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman described as being “marked in red” on the club’s shortlist.

Atlético had initially prioritised a move for Paris Saint-Germain’s Lee Kang-in, but PSG’s refusal to negotiate has forced a rethink. As a result, attention has shifted firmly towards alternative attacking profiles.

Marca report that both Lookman and Jesus now sit at the top of Alemany’s list as Diego Simeone looks to strengthen his forward options mid-season.

Jesus is no stranger to Atlético, having faced the Spanish side at the Club World Cup last summer. According to the report, the idea of joining Atlético “seduces” the Forest striker — a reflection of the opportunity rather than dissatisfaction with his current situation.

Nottingham Forest are under no immediate pressure to sell. Jesus is contracted until 2029, and Marca insist the Premier League club will not make his departure easy.

That contractual security gives Forest leverage, but Atlético are said to be lining up a determined late push. Whether they can meet Forest’s valuation — or convince the club to part with a key attacker mid-season — remains uncertain.

From Forest’s perspective, losing Jesus at this stage would be a significant blow, particularly given his consistency and importance in the squad.

In further reporting online, Marca claim Atlético have now decided to “go all out” for either Jesus or Lookman in the final days of the window.

The paper states that Alemany is actively weighing both options after the Kang-in Lee deal collapsed, underlining how advanced Atlético’s search for an attacker has become.

For now, Simeone’s immediate focus remains on Atlético’s Champions League clash against Bodø/Glimt, while transfer discussions continue behind the scenes.

Atlético are expected to push forward with one final attacking signing before Monday’s deadline, with Jesus and Lookman the leading options. Nottingham Forest must now decide how firm a stance to take if a formal offer arrives. Much will depend on Atlético’s willingness to meet Forest’s demands and whether the Premier League club see a replacement pathway as realistic this late in the window.

Should Nottingham Forest resist Atlético Madrid at all costs, or is this the kind of offer that forces a rethink?