Nottingham Forest Planning Major Striker Overhaul: Cunha, Calvert-Lewin, and Delap Eyed in Ambitious Summer Move
Nottingham Forest are preparing for what could be one of their most important transfer windows in recent history. The Reds, who have taken significant strides forward under their current management and ownership, are now plotting an audacious triple swoop for attacking reinforcements—with Matheus Cunha, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Liam Delap all emerging as key targets.
Sources close to Forest have revealed that the club is not content to stand still. With European qualification firmly in sight, and the potential for Champions League football looming large, the hierarchy at the City Ground is ready to back the team with serious investment. Their strategy is clear: strengthen the squad with dynamic attacking options who can elevate the team’s threat in the final third and solidify Forest’s status as a top-half Premier League club.
Matheus Cunha: Forest’s Statement Signing
Of the trio, Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha is undoubtedly the headline act. The 25-year-old has enjoyed a superb individual season for Wolves, notching 15 goals and contributing heavily to their resurgence in the second half of the campaign. Despite Wolves’ early-season struggles, Cunha’s ability to score, create, and unlock defences has set him apart from many of his peers in the Premier League.
What makes Cunha such an attractive option for Forest is not just his goal output, but his overall versatility and intelligence. He can operate as a central striker, a second forward, or even in wider areas, drifting between the lines and pulling defenders out of position. That tactical flexibility would be a major asset for any side, especially one like Forest, who value adaptable forwards in their attacking framework.
Another significant factor is Cunha’s existing relationship with Morgan Gibbs-White, with whom he played at Wolves. The duo formed an exciting partnership at Molineux, and Forest believe that reuniting them could fast-track Cunha’s integration into the side. Their chemistry on the pitch could be the foundation of an exciting new era of attacking football at the City Ground.
Importantly, while Cunha only recently signed a new contract at Wolves, a £62.5 million release clause is set to be activated in the summer. That figure has put potential suitors on high alert, with Arsenal and Manchester United among the other clubs showing interest. However, Forest have positioned themselves early in the race, hoping to capitalize on their clear vision and project to convince the Brazilian to choose them.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin: A Premier League Veteran with a Point to Prove
While Cunha offers flair and creativity, Dominic Calvert-Lewin represents power, experience, and aerial dominance. The Everton frontman, who has been with the Toffees since 2016, remains one of the most physically dominant strikers in the league when fit. Injuries have undoubtedly hampered his development in recent years, but there’s no questioning his quality when he is on form.
Forest’s interest in Calvert-Lewin is driven by their desire to have a more traditional No.9 in the squad—someone who can hold up play, bully defenders, and provide a consistent target in the box. It’s an area where Forest have sometimes lacked presence, especially against deep-lying defences.
Everton’s uncertain future may also work in Forest’s favour. With the Merseyside club facing ongoing financial difficulties and potential further points deductions, their ability to retain key players is in jeopardy. Calvert-Lewin, who may be keen on a fresh start and the chance to play European football, could find Forest’s offer highly appealing.
Signing him would also bring valuable Premier League experience to a relatively young and developing squad—something that’s invaluable when managing the pressure of European fixtures and domestic expectations.
Liam Delap: Investing in the Future
The third name on Forest’s striker shortlist is Liam Delap, currently on loan at Ipswich Town from Manchester City. The 21-year-old striker has shown flashes of brilliance during his loan spells in the Championship, combining raw power with a relentless work ethic and a growing footballing IQ.
Delap is seen as a long-term project, but one with enormous potential. Forest’s recruitment team has been tracking his development closely, and there is a belief within the club that he has the tools to develop into a top Premier League striker. His ability to press, run in behind defences, and lead the line at a high tempo fits the club’s preferred style of play.
What makes Delap’s signing especially appealing is the idea of blending youth with experience. While Cunha and Calvert-Lewin could provide immediate impact and consistency, Delap would be learning and growing behind them—ready to take the reins in years to come. It’s a smart and balanced approach that ensures both short-term success and long-term sustainability.
A Clear Recruitment Strategy Backed by Ambition
Forest’s reported interest in all three strikers is more than just speculation—it’s a reflection of a club with clear strategic planning and genuine ambition. The goal is no longer mere survival in the Premier League. The ownership group and board want Forest competing regularly for European places and building a squad capable of sustaining success both domestically and abroad.
Should the club secure Champions League qualification, it would not only provide a massive financial boost but also make Forest a significantly more attractive destination for players at the top level. Players like Cunha and Calvert-Lewin will know that joining Forest now could place them at the heart of a project with momentum and direction.
Even if Champions League football isn’t secured, qualification for the Europa League or Conference League would still represent a remarkable leap forward and justify this level of investment.
Final Thoughts: A New Era on the Horizon?
The potential signings of Matheus Cunha, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Liam Delap signal a new era for Nottingham Forest—one defined by ambition, smart recruitment, and long-term planning. Each of these forwards brings a different dimension: Cunha with his creativity and flair, Calvert-Lewin with his physicality and Premier League pedigree, and Delap with his raw potential and hunger to succeed.
If Forest can land even two of these three targets, they would head into next season with a refreshed attacking unit capable of challenging any side in the league. And if all three arrive? It could very well mark the beginning of a golden era at the City Ground.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Forest fans have every reason to be optimistic. The club is thinking big—and it’s now clear they have both the means and the ambition to match their lofty goals.
Would you like a possible 2025/26 starting XI including Cunha and the others? I can also include tactical breakdowns or what these moves might mean for current strikers like Chris Wood or Taiwo Awoniyi.