Overview
- Forest’s opening offer, reported at about £20m, has been turned down as Brighton hold firm on their price.
- Brighton regard the 22-year-old as a key starter after 17 Premier League starts this season, with Hurzeler describing him as very important.
- Forest are weighing whether to return with an increased bid before Monday’s transfer deadline.
- Ayari joined from AIK in 2023 for roughly £3.5m and, after loans at Coventry City and Blackburn Rovers, has made 66 appearances and scored six goals for Brighton.
- Forest are pursuing midfield reinforcements during a relegation battle and have also brought in Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca on loan while monitoring Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa.