Nottingham Forest has finalized a loan agreement with Serie A club Napoli for forward Lorenzo Lucca. The transaction includes an option to buy, set at approximately €40 million. Lucca is expected to arrive in England to undergo a medical examination on Thursday evening.
Summary of the Loan Deal
- Player: Lorenzo Lucca
- Current Club: Napoli (on loan from Udinese)
- Transfer Type: Loan with an option to buy
- Purchase Option: €40 million
- Medical Exam Date: Thursday evening
Lucca, who is 25 years old, has had a modest season with Napoli, scoring two goals in 23 games, while playing only 595 minutes. His time at the club included a brief loan since last summer after he transitioned from Udinese, where he netted 14 goals in 36 appearances during the 2024-25 season.
Reasons for the Transfer
This move comes as Nottingham Forest seeks additional firepower in their attack. Last season’s leading scorer, Chris Wood, is currently out due to a knee injury. Forest has struggled in the goal-scoring department, ranking among the lowest in the Premier League with just 15 goals, ahead of only Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Moreover, despite Lucca’s limited scoring this season with Napoli, he showcased his potential last season and is anticipated to enhance Forest’s offensive threat. His height of 6 feet 7 inches makes him a formidable presence in the box, which aligns with Forest’s strategy of delivering crosses—a tactic they have frequently employed without enough success recently.
Transfer Market Context
Forest recently allowed another forward, Arnaud Kalimuendo, to leave for Frankfurt after a brief five-month stint. The club has also shown interest in other strikers, including Iran’s Mehdi Taremi, highlighting the urgency to bolster their attacking options amidst a difficult season.
Implications for Nottingham Forest
The acquisition of Lucca may alleviate some concerns related to scoring efficiency. Nottingham Forest’s recent matches, including a 0-0 draw against Arsenal, have emphasized their struggle to convert chances into goals.
Overall, supporters will hope that Lucca’s arrival will reinvigorate Nottingham Forest’s attacking play and contribute to better results in upcoming fixtures.
