Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest may have missed £22m Nicolò Fagioli opportunity

Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest were both linked with Nicolò Fagioli during the summer, and reports from Italy have now revealed just how attainable the Fiorentina midfielder may have been.

Fagioli remained in Florence after establishing himself as an important figure during a difficult 2025/26 campaign. His performances have since improved further, earning the 25-year-old a return to Roberto Mancini’s Italy squad.

According to La Repubblica, however, Fiorentina were prepared to consider his departure towards the end of the summer window for around €25million (£22m).

There had been uncertainty surrounding Fagioli's future despite his growing influence at Fiorentina.

Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest were both credited with interest, but neither Premier League club ultimately made the move required to take advantage of Fiorentina's position.

That now looks more significant following Fagioli's strong start to the new campaign.

Paolo Vanoli's return to Fiorentina has helped the midfielder rediscover his best form, while Mancini has also brought him back into the Italy setup.

The Italy manager reportedly sees Fagioli as a potentially important part of his 4-3-3 system, particularly when partnered with another midfielder capable of controlling the tempo.

From Football Place's perspective, €25m represented an interesting opportunity for both Palace and Forest.

Fagioli's technical ability was already evident during his Juventus career, while his performances at Fiorentina have increasingly demonstrated his ability to control games from midfield.

Both Premier League clubs could have offered European football this season, making the reported summer opportunity particularly notable.

That does not mean either club necessarily made a mistake by walking away. Palace and Forest had their own recruitment priorities, and there is no guarantee Fagioli would have adapted immediately to English football.

However, his resurgence means Fiorentina would now have considerably less reason to entertain the same conditions.

Fagioli is contracted until 2028, giving the Italian club protection if Premier League interest returns in a future transfer window.

Fagioli now has an opportunity to strengthen his position with Italy during the international break while continuing his resurgence under Vanoli at Fiorentina.

If his performances continue, Palace and Forest may not be the only Premier League clubs watching should his future become a talking point again.