Nottingham Forest have stepped up their efforts to strengthen their defensive options after submitting an official proposal to Inter Milan for highly rated defender Leonardo Bovo, according to exclusive reports.
Nottingham Forest Submit €25m Bid for Leonardo Bovo in Major Defensive Transfer Move
Nottingham Forest have stepped up their efforts to strengthen their defensive options after submitting an official proposal to Inter Milan for highly rated defender Leonardo Bovo, according to exclusive reports.
Forest are understood to have placed a package worth up to €25 million on the table, consisting of a €20 million fixed fee, a further €5 million in potential add-ons and a sell-on clause that could benefit Inter in the future.
The proposal represents a major statement of intent from Nottingham Forest as they continue to reshape their squad ahead of another demanding Premier League campaign.
The club are believed to be extremely happy with the potential addition and see Bovo as a player who could bring quality, youth and long-term potential to the defensive line.
Forest make their move
The decision to submit an official bid demonstrates that Nottingham Forest’s interest in Bovo has moved beyond preliminary discussions.
The City Ground club have identified the defender as one of their preferred targets for the position, with recruitment staff now working to establish whether an agreement with Inter can be reached.
Forest’s proposal is particularly attractive because of its structure.
The Italian club would receive €20 million as the guaranteed component of the deal, while another €5 million could become payable through performance-related add-ons.
A sell-on clause has also been included, meaning Inter could receive a percentage of any future transfer fee should Bovo eventually leave Forest for another club.
That gives Inter an opportunity to benefit from the defender’s development even after completing the initial sale.
Potential record sale for Inter
If the transfer is eventually completed on the reported terms, Bovo’s departure could become a record sale for Inter Milan.
That could make negotiations particularly interesting.
Inter have a reputation for developing talented players and protecting the value of their squad, particularly when it comes to promising young defenders.
However, a guaranteed €20 million fee, potentially rising to €25 million, represents a substantial financial opportunity.
The sell-on clause could also make Forest’s proposal more appealing because Inter would retain an interest in Bovo’s future career.
If the player develops at Forest and later attracts attention from bigger European clubs, Inter could potentially receive another sizeable payment.
Forest believe Bovo can make an impact
From Nottingham Forest’s perspective, the potential signing is about more than simply adding another defender to the squad.
The club are looking for players who can compete for a starting position while also offering significant room for improvement.
Bovo is believed to fit that profile.
Forest want greater depth and competition across the defensive department, particularly with the demands of Premier League football continuing to increase.
The club’s recruitment team are therefore searching for players who can handle the physical and tactical demands of English football while also providing value over the long term.
Bovo’s potential arrival would give Forest another option in defence and could increase competition for places.

A statement of ambition
Nottingham Forest have continued to operate with ambition in the transfer market, and an offer of this size would underline their determination to build a competitive Premier League squad.
A €20 million guaranteed investment is not a small commitment.
Forest would be making a major financial decision based on the belief that Bovo can develop into an important player for the club.
The proposed structure also protects both sides.
Forest can limit their immediate spending through the add-on structure, while Inter receive a substantial guaranteed payment and retain a potential future financial reward through the sell-on clause.
For Bovo, meanwhile, a move to the City Ground could represent an important opportunity to establish himself in English football.
Inter face a big decision
Inter must now decide whether Forest’s proposal is sufficient or whether they will ask for improved terms.
The Italian club could attempt to increase the guaranteed fee, negotiate the add-ons or seek a larger percentage of the sell-on clause.
Forest may also face competition if other clubs become aware of Inter’s willingness to consider a deal.
However, submitting an official proposal puts Nottingham Forest in a strong position because they have already demonstrated their willingness to invest.
The coming days could therefore be crucial.
Forest fans await developments
Supporters at the City Ground are likely to welcome the news that the club are pursuing another ambitious defensive target.
Forest have established themselves as a competitive Premier League side and will be keen to continue improving the squad rather than standing still.
The arrival of a highly rated defender from Inter would certainly attract attention.
Bovo could provide Forest with another young option capable of developing alongside the club’s existing defensive players.
The potential deal would also fit the wider strategy of building a squad with both experience and long-term potential.
A transfer worth watching
For now, negotiations remain the key factor.
Nottingham Forest have reportedly made their intentions clear by submitting a €20 million fixed-fee proposal, with the package potentially reaching €25 million through add-ons, alongside a sell-on clause.
Inter must now consider whether the financial package is enough to sanction the defender’s departure.
Forest, meanwhile, appear determined to push ahead with the move.
If an agreement can be reached, Bovo could become one of the club’s most significant defensive additions of the summer.
The proposed transfer would also represent another major investment in Forest’s Premier League ambitions.
With Inter potentially securing a record sale and Nottingham Forest confident they have identified a top defensive addition, this is a deal that could develop quickly.
For now, all eyes are on negotiations between the two clubs as Forest attempt to bring Leonardo Bovo to the City Ground.




