Pape Matar Sarr’s Monaco move fades as Nottingham Forest step up interest

Pape Matar Sarr is increasingly likely to remain in England this summer, with Nottingham Forest now in a favourable position to sign the Tottenham midfielder.

The Senegal international had appeared close to a return to France, five years after leaving FC Metz, but a move to AS Monaco is now becoming less likely. Monaco had shown interest in Sarr as a possible replacement for Lamine Camara, should the Senegalese midfielder leave the club.

However, Camara’s situation has not changed with only a few days remaining before the transfer window closes. Sarr is therefore understood to have shifted his focus away from Monaco and towards continuing his career in the Premier League.

Sarr had initially attracted interest from Galatasaray, as first reported exclusively by Africafoot, before prioritising the possibility of joining Monaco. That route now appears to be receding, with Nottingham Forest emerging as the leading contender.

According to Flavien Tresarrieu, a senior reporter at L’Equipe, Sarr has decided to stay in the Premier League. That decision has placed Nottingham Forest at the front of the queue for the 23-year-old, who began his football education at Generation Foot.

Forest have the financial resources to meet Tottenham’s demands for the midfielder. The London club are believed to be seeking about 25m euros for Sarr, putting the Premier League side in a strong position as negotiations develop.

The transfer is not yet complete, however. Nottingham Forest must still agree the terms of the deal with Tottenham and persuade Sarr that a move to their project is the right step for his career.

With one week remaining before the summer transfer window shuts, the next round of discussions could prove decisive. Unless there is another change in circumstances, Sarr may stay in England and begin a new chapter in the Premier League rather than return to Ligue 1 with AS Monaco.

Sarr remains under contract with Tottenham until June 2030. The midfielder, who was born in Thiaroye, is valued at 30m euros by Transfermarkt. His reported annual salary in England is 4,254,114 euros, equivalent to 2,765,174,100 CFA francs.

Tottenham are due to play Newcastle in the second round of the English league season shortly. The source article also gave the betting prices for that match through 1xBet, listing Tottenham as 2.05 favourites, a draw at 3.65 and a Newcastle victory at 3.00.

Sarr’s potential departure comes as Tottenham consider the composition of their midfield, while Forest look to strengthen their squad with a player who has already gained Premier League experience. For now, though, the deal remains dependent on agreement between all three parties.