Nottingham Forest are pushing hard to secure a top-class striker before the January transfer window closes, as the club looks to maintain its incredible Premier League form. Currently sitting third in the league table after 22 games, Forest has exceeded expectations this season and are keen to solidify their position in the upper echelons of the league. Evangelos Marinakis, the club’s ambitious owner, is determined to bring in an attacker who can provide the cutting edge needed to sustain their form and possibly secure a historic top-four finish.

Several names have already been linked to Forest, including Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Wolves forward Matheus Cunha. Wissa, who has been attracting attention from multiple clubs, remains a target despite Brentford manager Thomas Frank’s reluctance to let him leave in the middle of the season. Meanwhile, Cunha, who has scored 10 goals this campaign, is reportedly stalling on a new contract with Wolves, which has only fueled speculation about his potential departure. However, while both players are viable options, Nottingham Forest may need to aim even higher to find a player who truly fits their ambitions.

One name that continues to stand out is Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez. The 23-year-old Mexican forward has been in sensational form this season and is coming off the back of a stellar 2022/23 campaign, where he scored 26 goals to help Feyenoord win the Eredivisie and secure Champions League football. His performances have only improved this season, with Gimenez netting 15 goals in just 18 games so far. Most notably, he delivered a masterclass against Bayern Munich in Feyenoord’s stunning 3-0 Champions League victory, scoring twice, including a composed penalty and a spectacular second goal.

Forest were linked with Gimenez in the summer but faced disappointment as the striker rejected their advances three times. At the time, his reasoning was clear—he wanted to play in the Champions League with Feyenoord and continue his development at a club where he felt settled. While this decision frustrated some Forest supporters, it was understandable given his loyalty to Feyenoord and his desire to test himself at the highest level.

Now, however, the situation has changed. With Forest flying high in the Premier League and firmly in the conversation for European qualification, they are a much more attractive proposition. Gimenez’s value has reportedly remained around £30 million, making him a relatively affordable option given the current market for strikers of his caliber. Securing his services would not only bolster Forest’s chances of finishing in a European spot but would also send a clear statement about the club’s long-term ambitions.

Gimenez’s skill set seems tailor-made for Forest’s current squad. With creative players like Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Anthony Elanga, and Elliot Anderson providing a steady supply of chances, the addition of a natural finisher like Gimenez could elevate the team to new heights. His ability to score a variety of goals—whether it’s penalties, tap-ins, or spectacular strikes—makes him a versatile and reliable attacking option. Moreover, at just 23 years old, he represents a long-term investment who could become a cornerstone of the team for years to come.

While some fans might feel hesitant about revisiting a player who turned down the club in the summer, football is a dynamic and often unpredictable business. Players’ circumstances and motivations change, and it’s not uncommon for clubs to go back in for targets who previously rejected them. Gimenez’s performance against Bayern Munich serves as a timely reminder of his quality and why Forest should consider reigniting their interest.

Of course, Forest will face stiff competition for Gimenez’s signature. Reports suggest that AC Milan are also interested in the striker, and his performances in the Champions League will undoubtedly attract attention from other top clubs. However, Forest’s current league position and their ambitious project under Steve Cooper could give them a unique selling point. If they can convince Gimenez that he would be joining a club on the rise, where he would play a pivotal role, they might just succeed in landing him.

In the meantime, Nottingham Forest will continue to explore other options, including Wissa and Cunha, but Gimenez remains the standout choice. His goal-scoring prowess, age, and potential resale value make him an ideal signing for a club with big ambitions. With the January transfer window ticking down, Forest must act decisively and make a compelling case to bring the Mexican star to the City Ground. If they manage to pull it off, it could be the signing that defines their season and sets the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come.