Nottingham Forest will look to sign 27-year-old French midfielder Youssouf Fofana from AC Milan this summer.

According to a report by Football Insider, Youssouf Fofana is also the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Eagles are keen on rienforcing their first-team squad by signing a versatile midfielder in the ongoing transfer window, and they have set their sights on the 27-year-old AC Milan midfielder.

However, Crystal Palace will face stiff competition for his signature, as per Football Insider, the Frenchman is a target for Nottingham Forest. The report has suggested that the Tricky Trees are “ready to pounce” and beat the competition to the AC Milan midfielder’s signature in the coming weeks.

Youssouf Fofana and his AC Milan journey so far

Youssouf Fofana has made reasonable progress since joining AC Milan from AS Monaco in August 2024. The 27-year-old has been a regular for the Rossoneri, though not an undisputed first-choice starter. However, his performances have not been consistent in the last 12 months, a sharp contrast to the form he displayed during his time in Ligue 1, where he was considered one of French football’s most promising midfielders.

The French midfielder has made 88 appearances across two seasons, contributing 3 goals and 13 assists. While these goal contributions are respectable for a holding midfielder, questions persist over his consistency and ability to impose himself physically. Nevertheless, Fofana retains popularity in the market, with Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.

Premier League move on the horizon?

Nottingham Forest’s interest in Youssouf Fofana is strategically logical. Elliot Anderson’s move to Manchester City has created a gaping hole in the midfield unit at the City Ground, forcing the Tricky Trees to dip their toes in the market for a midfielder. Several candidates, including Lucas Bergvall, have thus emerged on Nottingham Forest’s wishlist, with Fofana a like-for-like replacement for Anderson due to his well-rounded style of play.

As for Crystal Palace, Adam Wharton continues to face an uncertain future at Selhurst Park amid his links with high-profile clubs. Even if Wharton remains at the South London club, the Eagles need a long-term partner for him, as Jefferson Lerma is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his career.

However, with Nottingham Forest lurking for a summer move, Crystal Palace must be wary of a hijack and move quickly to secure an agreement with the Frenchman. However, it is unclear which way the pendulum will swing from the player’s side, as Palace can leverage European football to tempt him.