Nottingham Forest on the verge of signing Napoli’s Lorenzo Lucca
Nottingham Forest, a Premier League club, is set to complete a loan deal for Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca, with an option to make the transfer permanent.
The 25-year-old Italian forward joined Napoli last July from Juventus U23 in a loan deal that included an obligation to buy.
Lucca is finalizing preparations for his move to England and is scheduled to travel on Thursday to obtain a visa and join the team.
Forest manager Sean Dyche is keen to sign a new striker, as there is no expected return yet for Chris Wood, the club’s top scorer last season with 20 goals, who has been sidelined with a knee injury since December.
Lucca scored just once in 16 Serie A appearances for Napoli under coach Antonio Conte and was frequently substituted. He also scored once in the Coppa Italia.
Despite scoring 14 goals last season for Juventus U23, Lucca has had limited opportunities under Conte at Napoli, the reigning Serie A champions.
Nottingham Forest is also considering whether to pursue Napoli playmaker Mathias Olivera while searching for a left-back replacement.
Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, a standout Norwegian forward, has been mentioned as an alternative option, with a transfer fee under £40 million.
Forest currently sits 17th in the Premier League, five points above the relegation zone, and will face Braga on Thursday in the Europa League.
