Nottingham Forest plan decisive Lucca talks as transfer call nears

Nottingham Forest are edging closer to clarity over a potential move for Lorenzo Lucca, with a key meeting scheduled in the coming hours that could determine whether the striker heads to the City Ground.

On Monday, Italian journalist Ciro Venerato reported that Lucca is no longer firmly opposed to a move to Forest, despite earlier doubts over his willingness to leave Italy. The two clubs are understood to have already reached an agreement on the framework of a deal, with the main uncertainty centred on the player’s final decision.

Those claims were echoed by Tuttomercatoweb, who suggested the Italian forward is now edging towards joining the Tricky Trees.

While reports have pointed to progress between the clubs, there has been limited clarity around Lucca’s personal stance. That situation may soon be resolved.

According to Naples-based newspaper Il Mattino, Lucca’s representatives are due to meet with Nottingham Forestexecutives “in the next few hours”. The outcome of that discussion is expected to play a decisive role in whether the transfer moves forward.

The report notes there has been genuine back-and-forth from Lucca over a switch to England. He has previously rejected offers from outside Italy, including a lucrative proposal from Al-Hilal, prioritising sporting considerations over a significant pay rise.

Lucca had initially been keen to remain in Italy, but Nottingham Forest’s interest appears to have prompted a reassessment. Regular football and the chance to test himself in the Premier League are believed to be factors weighing on the 25-year-old’s mind.

That makes the upcoming meeting pivotal, as Forest look to convince the striker that a move to the City Ground represents the right next step.

Forest are not the only club monitoring the situation. Pisa have also been credited with interest, with Sky Italia, via AreaNapoli, reporting that they want to rival Forest for Lucca’s signature.

A return to Pisa would carry emotional appeal. Lucca first made his breakthrough there, scoring six goals in 35 appearances. However, Pisa currently sit second-bottom in Serie A, four points from safety, making the sporting outlook far less stable.

By contrast, Forest are better positioned in their fight for survival, and the financial and competitive gulf between the Premier League and Serie B remains significant.

Lucca has struggled for consistent game time this season under Antonio Conte at Napoli, further fuelling speculation that a move could suit all parties.

With talks accelerating and a meeting imminent, the next few hours are expected to bring clarity to a transfer that has been gathering momentum.

If discussions with Forest go well, Lucca could give the green light to the move, allowing the transfer to progress quickly. Should doubts remain, Italian interest may re-emerge as a fallback option.

Would a Premier League move with Nottingham Forest be the right step for Lorenzo Lucca, or should he prioritise staying in Italy?