Nottingham Forest Close To Signing Napoli Striker Lucca
Nottingham Forest close to signing Napoli striker Lucca from Italian league in what could be one of the most talked-about Premier League loan moves of this January window. While Forest and Napoli have reportedly agreed terms on a loan deal with a sizeable buy option, the final piece of the puzzle remains Lucca’s decision — and sources say he’s now very close to giving his answer after taking time to weigh his future.
Forest and Napoli Agree Loan Structure
According to Sky Sport Italia and multiple transfer outlets, Nottingham Forest have struck a deal with Napoli for a season-long loan of Lucca that includes a loan fee of around €1 million and an option to buy the player permanently for roughly €35 million in the summer.
The structure gives Forest flexibility: they get a chance to integrate the 25-year-old striker immediately, while Napoli secure a significant future sale value if the move turns permanent. This type of clause has become increasingly popular in Premier League deals, especially when clubs are cautious about committing big fees mid-season.
Lucca’s Career and Napoli Situation
Lucca arrived at Napoli in the summer of 2025 in a move from Udinese that reportedly included a loan with an obligation to buy — a package valued at around €35 million in total.
At Napoli, Lucca has struggled for regular playing time under manager Antonio Conte, appearing mostly as a substitute and not consistently finding the net. The lack of minutes has fueled speculation about a move, as Forest and other clubs sensed an opportunity to bring in a powerful target man who can add a different dimension to their attack.
Decision Time for Lucca
Despite Forest and Napoli agreeing the framework of a deal, Lucca hadn’t immediately signed on the dotted line.
Italian transfer expert Niccolò Schira reported that the striker requested an extra 24–48 hours to think over the Nottingham Forest offer, with the player reportedly weighing his options carefully before committing — a sign that he might prefer staying in Serie A or reconsider his priorities.
Sources from Portuguese and Italian outlets now suggest that Lucca is close to saying “yes” to the Forest proposal as of late January 22, 2026, with the decision likely to come in the next few hours. This comes after the forward reportedly initially expressed a desire to stay in Italy but now looks ready to embrace a Premier League challenge.
Once Lucca gives his final approval, Forest are expected to expedite his travel to England and complete the necessary medical and paperwork — potentially ending this lengthy transfer saga soon.
Other Clubs Were Interested Too
Forest aren’t the only team linked with Lucca in recent weeks. Reports indicated interest from Sevilla and even Pisa — the latter offering a loan deal without a significant future purchase option.
Pisa’s proposition was attractive because it guaranteed more immediate playing time and a return to Italian football, which some felt might suit Lucca’s career and style better.
Still, the Premier League’s financial prospects and exposure often make it an appealing option for players in Lucca’s position, even if adaptation can be challenging mid-season.
Why This Move Matters for Forest
Nottingham Forest currently sit in a precarious spot in the Premier League table and have lacked consistent attacking firepower.
Brought in to boost goals and provide a focal point up front, Lucca — a tall, physical striker who thrives in build-up play and aerial duels — represents an option different from Forest’s current forward profiles.
Forest’s manager Sean Dyche has repeatedly emphasized the need to strengthen during transfer windows to help the team push away from relegation danger and build momentum.
Adding Lucca may not be a guaranteed instant success, but it gives the club another attacking route and sparks fresh confidence in their survival bid.
What Comes Next?
Once Lucca accepts the Forest deal and travels to England, the next phase will involve integrating him into a team that plays with intensity and discipline — hallmarks of Dyche’s tactical identity.
Forest supporters will have their eyes on how quickly the Italian adapts to the Premier League’s pace and physical demands.
For Napoli, moving Lucca on could free up room — both financially and in terms of squad space — to pursue other attacking options before the window closes.
Their transfer strategy seems focused on balancing immediate performance needs with broader squad restructuring under Conte’s oversight.
Conclusion
Lorenzo Lucca’s potential switch to Nottingham Forest is one of the standout stories of this transfer window.
With Forest and Napoli agreeing the key terms and the striker now making up his mind, it looks increasingly likely that the move will go through soon, offering both club and player a fresh challenge worth watching closely in the final weeks of January.
