Who is Jan Ziolkowski? Everything Nottingham Forest fans need to know about top target
Nottingham Forest are very keen to sign Roma centre-back Jan Ziolkowski this summer to bolster their defensive options.
Vitor Pereira wants to get Forest's business underway early this summer after committing his future to the club last week.
He is set to be backed by Evangelos Marinakis ahead of next term, with new additions lined up at the back following a disappointing campaign from a defensive standpoint.
Roma centre-back Ziolkowski is on their radar as the Serie A giants aim to raise over £60million in player sales before 30 June to comply with UEFA's financial rules.
According to a new report from ASRomaLive, the Reds remain "absolutely crazy" about signing Ziolkowski, despite changes behind the scenes at the City Ground slowing a deal down.
He has only completed one season in the Italian capital since a move from Legia Warsaw for around £5m last summer.
The 21-year-old is highly rated by many in his home country and could well become a regular starter for Forest if they seal his signature in the coming weeks.
Jan Ziolkowski's career so far as Forest eye move
Ziolkowski was born and raised in Warsaw, but before focusing on football, he was a keen martial artist because his father was an instructor at a local club.
He came through the ranks of Wicher Kobylka and Polonia Warsaw before joining Legia at the age of 17 in 2022.
Ziolkowski stayed in their youth ranks until being handed his senior debut in May 2024, as he made his mark and started the last two games of the league campaign.
He made 28 appearances for Legia in the 2024-25 season as they won the Polish Cup and Super Cup, while also being awarded the Polish Newcomer of the Year award for his strong showings.
Notable previous winners of the trophy include Robert Lewandowski, Wojciech Szczesny, Nicola Zalewski and Arkadiusz Milik, so his potential is pretty clear to see.
His move to Roma last year saw Poland boss Jan Urban hand him a senior international debut in October, as he helped them keep a clean sheet against New Zealand.
Ziolkowski started just five Serie A games and three Europa League matches for Roma last term, but was among the top performers for duels won and defensive contributions per 90 in both competitions.
His first goal for Roma was key to their progression to the UEL round of 16, as he netted a leveller in a 1–1 draw against Panathinaikos to help Gian Piero Gasperini's side finish eighth in the league stage.
Despite his struggles for regular minutes, reports have claimed that Forest will have to splash out around £15m for his services this summer.
Who could leave Forest if Ziolkowski arrives?
Willy Boly is set to depart Forest this summer at the end of his contract, meaning Pereira has just four senior centre-backs among his ranks as it stands.
While Forest are targeting Ziolkowski, recent reports have stated that Roma are keen on signing Reds full-back Nicolo Savona.
Savona featured 20 times for the club last term following a move from Juventus, and has been linked with numerous sides this summer.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Forest are considering selling Savona, and a swap deal of sorts could well be on the cards in the coming weeks.