Sportsmediaset reports that Forest have expressed concrete interest in the 20-year-old Poland international and are ready to offer €15m, while AS Roma are holding out for €20m. Despite the difference, the two clubs are expected to meet in the coming days with a view to closing the gap.
Roma's motivation to sell is acute. The club face a June 30 financial deadline and need to generate transfer income to comply with Serie A's financial rules. Ziolkowski, who joined from Legia Warszawa last summer for approximately €6-7m, represents a straightforward way to generate a substantial profit in a short timeframe.
For Nottingham Forest, the pursuit fits manager Vítor Pereira's pattern of adding young, technically accomplished defenders with significant upside. Ziolkowski has made a positive impression in his debut season in Italian football despite limited appearances, drawing consistent praise from within Roma's coaching staff for his composure in possession and reading of the game.
West Ham United, Bournemouth and Brighton have also been linked with the Poland international, which adds a degree of urgency to Forest's approach if they want to move ahead of the competition.