Nottingham Forest appear to have taken the clearest step yet in the pursuit of Roma defender Jan Ziółkowski, with the 20-year-old centre-back emerging as one of the more intriguing defensive targets of the summer window.
Sports Boom report that Forest, Brighton and AFC Bournemouth are all monitoring the Poland youth international, although the level of interest varies significantly. West Ham United had also been linked, but their relegation to the Championship has weakened that possibility considerably.
Ziółkowski only joined Roma in August 2025 and is contracted until June 2030, yet his future is already under scrutiny. That long agreement gives Roma leverage, but it does not guarantee the player will remain in Italy if the right offer arrives.
Forest have reportedly made the most meaningful move so far. As Sports Boom state, “Nottingham Forest’s representatives have already sat down at the table, verbally proposing a valuation of around €15 million for the defender, a figure that reportedly includes bonuses.” Roma rejected that approach, with the Serie A club seeking around €20-25 million.
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Roma Valuation Creates Transfer Standoff
Roma’s position is understandable. The club have secured Champions League qualification and now need a squad capable of handling that step up in intensity, scrutiny and reliability. Ziółkowski is admired, but he has not yet established himself as a trusted first-team fixture.
Sports Boom’s line that “Internal assessments suggest the young Pole could face limited playing time if he remains” feels central to this story. At 20, he needs regular minutes, not simply association with a Champions League squad.
That is where Forest’s interest becomes compelling. A move to the Premier League would bring risk, but it could also offer a clearer developmental pathway, especially if Forest see him as part of a defensive rebuild rather than a speculative signing.
Murillo Interest Adds Forest Urgency
