Mathias Olivera requests Napoli exit as Nottingham Forest raise Premier League offer

Mathias Olivera has formally asked to leave Napoli after Nottingham Forest stepped up their interest, with the lure of the Premier League proving too strong to ignore.

Earlier this week, journalist Alfredo Pedullà revealed that Forest had submitted a €15m offer for the Napoli left-back. That proposal was swiftly knocked back, with the Italian champions holding out for a fee closer to €25m despite the player’s reduced role this season.

Olivera has featured for just 592 minutes in Serie A during the current campaign, a sharp contrast to last season when he was a key figure in Napoli’s title-winning side under Antonio Conte.

According to Calciomercato.it, Olivera’s frustration has now boiled over. The Uruguay international has handed in a transfer request, making his desire to leave Naples clear as he looks for regular football and a new challenge in England.

The report states that the appeal of the Premier League has played a decisive role in Olivera’s thinking, with Nottingham Forest viewed as a realistic and attractive destination.

Nottingham Forest and Napoli are said to be in active negotiations, with Forest increasing their bid beyond the initial €15m. While the precise structure of the improved offer remains unclear, Olivera’s departure in January is now described as a concrete possibility.

Forest’s interest is further strengthened by their current lack of options on the left side of defence. Oleksandr Zinchenko has already departed, while Cuiabano has been linked with a move back to Brazil. That situation leaves head coach Sean Dyche short of natural solutions.

Olivera is therefore being viewed as a plug-and-play option — a defender with experience at the highest level, strong technical qualities and the athleticism to contribute going forward.

Italian reports underline the situation clearly, noting that Olivera is now on the fringes at Napoli, has requested a transfer, and sees a move to the Premier League as his priority. Forest’s willingness to raise their offer is keeping talks alive as both clubs work towards a possible agreement.

With the player actively pushing for an exit and Forest needing immediate reinforcement, momentum appears to be building behind this potential deal. The remaining gap lies in valuation, but Olivera’s stance significantly strengthens Forest’s hand.

If an agreement can be reached, Forest could land an experienced international capable of raising the level of their defence — while Olivera would finally secure the regular minutes he has been seeking.

Negotiations between Nottingham Forest and Napoli are expected to continue, with Olivera’s transfer request increasing pressure for a January resolution.

Would Mathias Olivera be the right long-term answer for Nottingham Forest at left-back?