Nottingham Forest close in on club-record £37.5m deal for Omari Hutchinson | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest are in advanced talks with Ipswich Town over a £37.5 million move for winger Omari Hutchinson.

The deal would surpass Forest’s current transfer record of £35 million, set only last month with the signing of Dan Ndoye from Bologna.

Negotiations have progressed quickly after an opening £35 million bid was rejected.

Personal terms are not expected to be a problem, though both Forest and Hutchinson are aware of other potential options.

Ipswich had been holding out for close to £40 million but are now understood to be ready to accept Forest’s improved offer.

If finalised, the transfer would be the latest step in Forest’s aggressive summer recruitment drive ahead of their first European campaign in 30 years.

Hutchinson, 21, made 32 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring three goals and registering two assists, as Ipswich were relegated from the Premier League.

The winger first came through Arsenal’s youth ranks before returning to Chelsea in 2022.

He made only two senior appearances for Chelsea and spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Ipswich, helping them secure promotion to the top flight for the first time in over two decades.

That loan spell included 50 appearances and 25 starts, with Ipswich signing him permanently last summer in a deal worth up to £22.5 million.

Hutchinson has been capped twice by Jamaica at senior level and was part of the England Under-21 squad that won the European Championship in June.

Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has targeted the winger as part of plans to add pace, creativity and depth for both domestic and continental fixtures.

The club are also in talks to sign Rennes forward Arnaud Kalimuendo for around £26 million and Manchester City midfielder James McAtee.

Forest hope to secure at least one more deal before they face Brentford in Sunday’s Premier League opener.

Nuno’s side have already added Dan Ndoye, defender Jair Cunha from Botafogo and goalkeeper Angus Gunn as back-up to Matz Sels.

The club have room to manoeuvre in the transfer market after selling Anthony Elanga to Newcastle for £52 million.

Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna is reluctant to lose Hutchinson but recognises the sale could provide significant funds for reinforcements.

Forest see Hutchinson as a long-term investment, with Premier League experience and potential to grow in value.

A final decision is expected soon as talks approach completion.