Nottingham Forest should retain Arvin Appiah’s services
According to The Sun on Sunday (16th December, Page 59), Championship side Nottingham Forest are willing to allow Arvin Appiah depart City Ground. Forest are keen on boosting their transfer kitty to be used to strengthen the squad. The teenager is under contract until the summer of 2020, giving Nottingham an edge on the bargaining table.
Appiah is the latest talented prospect to come through the City Ground’s academy ranks. Forest have continued their tradition of bringing through exciting youngsters and the 17-year-old is definitely one starlet to keep an eye out for given his massive potential.
The England U18 international, who was born after the turn of the decade, made his professional debut this season. The winger, who can play on either flank, scored from the penalty spot in the 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat to Burton Albion. Although Forest were knocked out of the competition, fans were impressed with speedy winger’s six-minute cameo role.
According to the Nottingham Post, the club has denied that they are willing to sell Appiah. Forest have stated that they are instead looking to help the 17-year-old fulfil his potential at the City Ground. This will come as good news to Forest fans as Nottingham Forest shouldn’t sanction a move away for the teenager.
Aitor Karanka has done an excellent job since arriving at the City Ground. Forest are currently just outside of the promotion slots and are seventh after picking up 35 points from the opening 22 games of the season.
However, the 45-year-old boss has often come in for criticism for not showing enough faith in the youngsters available to him. Ben Brereton was loaned out to Blackburn Rovers and could potentially leave permanently. Joe Worrall is also on a season-long loan to Scottish Premiership side Rangers.
So far, the Spaniard’s strategy hasn’t backfired since they are still in the promotion picture. However, should Karanka allow the youngster to leave, Forest could find themselves in a tough spot.
Forest will be looking to keep the pressure on the sides above them on the Championship table. To keep their own promotion hopes alive, Karanka needs squad depth and quality players who can make the difference off the bench.
At the moment, Arvin Appiah fits that description perfectly. Quick and tricky, he has the ability to unlock deep sitting defences with his runs. He only needed six minutes to find the back of the net on his debut which shows his goalscoring abilities. Forest should hold onto the youngster, at least until the end of the season.
