Looks like Nottingham Forest are among the clubs tracking Estudiantes midfielder Mikel Amondarain.
According to Olé, Nottingham Forest and Bologna are both monitoring Amondarain after Estudiantes turned down a €6m (£5.2m) bid from Betis.
While the report makes no mention of a formal approach from Forest, the English club are now firmly among those keeping a close eye on the midfielder’s situation.
The rejection of Betis’ proposal has also established the starting point for negotiations. Estudiantes are prepared to discuss a sale, but only if an interested club exceeds the Spanish side’s offer.
Estudiantes ready to cash in – at the right price
The Argentine club are looking to raise funds during this transfer window and view Amondarain as the player most capable of generating a major transfer fee. But that does not mean they are under pressure to sell.
The 21-year-old remains under contract until December 2028. This leaves Estudiantes in a strong negotiating position as interest from Europe continues to grow.
After rejecting Betis’ approach, the club are waiting to see whether Forest, Bologna or another suitor is prepared to improve on the €6m (£5.2m) valuation already placed on the table.
Amondarain has emerged from Estudiantes’ academy and is enjoying the best season of his senior career, recording four goals and three assists in 23 appearances across all competitions.
Why Premier League clubs are interested
Mikel Amondarain has built a reputation as one of Argentina’s most promising young midfielders. At 21, his tactical intelligence and versatility are just outstanding.
Comfortable as either a holding midfielder or in a box-to-box role, he frequently drops between the centre-backs to begin attacks. He then carries possession into midfield and helps his side progress through opposition pressure.
Rather than simply shielding the defence, he acts as the team’s tempo-setter, dictating possession from deep while still timing his forward runs into the penalty area.
Standing around 1.85m, he also provides a strong physical presence in defensive duels and aerial battles. Also, his passing accuracy has averaged 86.3% this season.
A curious detais is that Amondarain’s Basque family roots have earned him the nickname “El Vasquito” (“the little Basque”). It’s now a name widely used by Estudiantes supporters.
Forest face competition as interest grows
For now, Forest remain in the group of clubs watching developments. However, Betis have already tested Estudiantes’ resolve and Bologna is also in the picture. So the Argentine side appear well positioned to create a competitive market for a player they see as their biggest sale of the window.
Any club hoping to land Amondarain now knows one thing: €6m (£5.2m) will not be enough.
