Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's situation at Arsenal could impact Nottingham Forest's bid to sign Folarin Balogun in the January transfer window.
According to the Athletic, the Reds are big admirers of Balogun and Aston Villa's Keinan Davis as they look at options capable of bolstering their attack for the second half of the season.
Head coach Steve Cooper has been tipped to sign a striker with Forest having marched to seventh in the Championship table sparking hope of a push for promotion.
They have also been linked with a move for Sheffield United's Rhian Brewster although the former Liverpool forward is currently recovering from a hamstring problem.
But the Athletic say that Balogun is a player Forest "really like" with the 20-year-old having made six appearances for the club this season, two of which have come in the Premier League.
However, it is claimed that Aubameyang's situation, having been stripped of the club captaincy following a breach of club discipline, could propel Balogun closer to the first team.
Nottinghamshire Live reported yesterday how Forest have reportedly "explored" making a loan move for an as yet "unidentified" Serie A striker.
Top goalscorer Lewis Grabban has been in fine form, having scored and assisted in each of the Reds ' last two outings, and is one of just six players with a double-figure goal tally in the Championship this season.
But aside from the 33-year-old, options are few and far between up front, with the other recognised centre forward at the club Lyle Taylor registering just three goals as Grabban's understudy and none since an October brace at Bristol City.
A range of forwards have been linked to the City Ground ahead of the transfer window reopening in the New Year, with Cooper 's reported "want" for a temporary addition in this area a strong rumour heading into the winter.
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