Nottingham Forest have moved decisively in the January transfer market by agreeing a loan deal with Napoli for Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca, addressing a growing need for attacking reinforcement.
The agreement includes an option to buy in the region of €40m, with Lucca set to travel from Naples on Thursday evening to complete a medical. Reports earlier this week indicated Forest were closing in on the deal, and negotiations have now been finalised.
Forest act amid injury concerns
Forest’s push for a striker has been driven largely by the absence of last season’s top scorer Chris Wood, who remains sidelined with a knee injury. His unavailability has left Forest short of a reliable focal point up front during a demanding run of fixtures.
While Forest had explored multiple attacking options this window, including Mehdi Taremi and Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Jørgen Strand Larsen, Lucca’s arrival is not expected to end their wider search for goals.
Limited minutes, long-term upside
Lucca joined Napoli on loan from Udinese last summer after scoring 14 goals in 36 appearances during the 2024–25 season. However, his opportunities under Antonio Conte have been limited. He has featured 23 times across competitions, totalling just 595 minutes and scoring twice, as Napoli sit third in Serie A after 21 matches.
Despite the lack of game time, Forest believe the underlying profile remains attractive, particularly for a Premier League side struggling to convert territorial dominance into goals.
Why Lucca fits Forest’s needs
Forest raised eyebrows earlier this season by allowing Arnaud Kalimuendo to leave on loan just months after signing him, but Lucca represents a very different stylistic option. At 6ft 7in, the Italian brings a physical presence that closely mirrors what Wood offered during Forest’s impressive seventh-place finish last season.
Having followed Forest closely this campaign, one issue has been clear: service without a target. Forest have attempted more crosses than any other Premier League side, yet rank near the bottom for conversion, with only five goals coming from those deliveries.
Lucca thrives attacking balls into the box and offers a clear reference point for wide players, something Forest have lacked in recent weeks.
Goals still the missing piece
Forest’s defensive organisation has largely held up, but goals have been harder to come by. Only bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored fewer league goals, and Forest have failed to score in 11 Premier League matches this season — more than any other side.
Even in encouraging performances, such as the recent 0–0 draw with Arsenal, the absence of cutting edge has been evident. Lucca may not arrive with prolific numbers from this season, but his previous output and physical profile suggest he could help shift that balance.
Key Insights
- Forest have agreed a loan with an option to buy for Lucca.
- The deal addresses the absence of Chris Wood.
- Lucca offers height, aerial threat and box presence.
- Forest lead the league for crosses but struggle to convert.
- Further attacking business is still possible.
What’s Next
Lucca’s immediate task will be adapting to the Premier League’s tempo and physical demands, but Forest are expected to integrate him quickly given their need for a central reference point. Whether the option to buy is triggered will depend heavily on his impact over the coming months.
However, this remains subject to performance and fitness, with Forest still monitoring additional forward options as the window progresses.
Can Lorenzo Lucca provide the physical edge Nottingham Forest have been missing?
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