The Naples Negotiator: Inside Forest’s €25m Standoff for Mathías Olivera as Sean Dyche Triggers Defensive Fire Sale

By 247sportcity | Monday, January 19, 2026

NOTTINGHAM – The revolving door at the City Ground has been kicked off its hinges. In a day of breakneck transfer activity, Nottingham Forest have officially formalized their pursuit of Napoli’s Uruguayan star Mathías Olivera, submitting a €15 million (£12.6m) opening proposal that has sent ripples through the Serie A market.

While the bid represents a significant statement of intent from owner Evangelos Marinakis, it has also exposed a “significant valuation gap” that threatens to derail Sean Dyche’s defensive reconstruction. As the January window enters its final, frantic stretch, Forest find themselves in a high-stakes poker game with Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis—a man not known for blinking first.

The €10m Deadlock: Why Napoli Said No

Despite Olivera falling down the pecking order under Antonio Conte’s current technical setup in Naples, the Partenopei have reportedly dismissed Forest’s €15m overture as “derisory.”

Insiders in Italy, including transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà, suggest that Napoli are holding out for a figure north of €20 million, with an ultimate target of €25 million for the 28-year-old. The South American defender is currently contracted until 2030, giving the Italian giants immense leverage. However, the player himself is reportedly “pushing” for the move, seeking the guaranteed minutes he has lacked at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this season.

The Zinchenko Domino: Ajax Move Triggers the Pursuit

The urgency behind the Olivera bid stems from a major development regarding Oleksandr Zinchenko. The Ukrainian international’s loan spell from Arsenal—initially hailed as a coup last summer—is set for a “shock termination” after a disappointing five-game stint in the Garibaldi.

Reports confirmed today that Ajax have reached a verbal agreement with Arsenal to take over Zinchenko’s loan for the remainder of the season. With the former Manchester City man already spotted preparing for a medical in Amsterdam, Sean Dyche has been left with a glaring hole on the left side of his defense.

“We’ve been open with the player about his situation,” Dyche noted in his pre-match briefing. “Now we move forward.” That movement is clearly directed toward Naples.

Double Raid? The Lorenzo Lucca ‘Hijack’

Olivera isn’t the only Napoli player on Forest’s radar. In a sensational twist, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Forest have “agreed all terms” for a loan-to-buy deal for 6ft 7in striker Lorenzo Lucca.

While Lucca has expressed reservations about a mid-season move to England, preferring a return to Pisa, Forest are reportedly offering a €1 million loan fee with a staggering €35 million option to buy. If Forest can land both Olivera and Lucca, it would represent a nearly €60 million investment in Napoli’s “out-of-favor” talent—a gamble that could define their Premier League survival.

The Tammy Abraham Factor: A Tactical Pivot

Forest’s aggressive movement for Olivera and Lucca comes as their pursuit of Tammy Abraham hits a roadblock. Despite Forest indicating they could match the Besiktas striker’s personal terms, Abraham reportedly views Aston Villa as his priority destination.

With Abraham slipping away, Dyche has pivoted his strategy. By securing a physical, “Dyche-style” full-back in Olivera—known for his aerial prowess and relentless work rate—Forest are building a defensive platform that allows their wingers more freedom, regardless of who leads the line.

What Olivera Brings to the City Ground

For the Molineux faithful who have seen their own stars linked with exits, the arrival of a player like Olivera at their rivals is a concern. The Uruguayan is a “defensive monster,” averaging high recovery numbers and possessing a top speed of over 31 km/h. Unlike the more technical, inverted style of Zinchenko, Olivera is a traditional, gritty defender who relishes the physical duels of the English top flight.

Conclusion: The 48-Hour Ultimatum

With the transfer deadline looming on February 2nd, Forest do not have the luxury of a prolonged negotiation. Napoli’s rejection of the €15m bid is expected to trigger a second, improved offer from Nottingham within the next 48 hours—likely a “compromise” figure of €18m plus significant add-ons.

If Olivera manages to force the move, he will join a Nottingham Forest side that is desperate to solidify its mid-table status. For Napoli, it is a chance to clear a high-earner off the books. For the Premier League, it is the arrival of another South American international ready to make his mark.

The “Zinchenko Nightmare” is over; the “Olivera Era” might just be beginning.

PASSPORT IN HAND: Uruguayan Star Pushes for Nottingham Forest ‘Escape’ as Dyche Tests Napoli’s Resolve with €15m Opener!