David Ornstein: Forest Close In On Serie A Striker On Loan | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest Move for Lorenzo Lucca Signals January Ambition

Nottingham Forest’s January window has taken a decisive turn, with David Ornstein of The Athletic reporting that the club have agreed a loan deal with Napoli for forward Lorenzo Lucca. It is a move that carries both urgency and calculated risk, reflecting a club searching for goals, depth and momentum at a critical stage of the season.

The agreement includes an option to buy around €40million, and Lucca will fly from Naples on Thursday evening to undergo a medical. The 25 year old arrives with pedigree but also with questions, having scored twice in 23 games this season while clocking just 595 minutes for the Italian champions.

Forest’s need is clear. With last season’s top scorer Chris Wood sidelined with a knee injury, the recruitment focus has sharpened around adding firepower. As Ornstein reported, Forest have been interested in a striker this window, and Lucca represents a blend of immediate cover and longer term upside.

Lucca Profile and Recent Form

Lucca’s recent numbers in Naples are modest, but context matters. He has been part of a deep and competitive squad under Antonio Conte, limiting his opportunities to establish rhythm. That has led to a stop start campaign, even if the raw output of two goals in 23 appearances does not tell the full story of his contribution or potential.

Last season offers a more compelling case. Lucca joined Napoli on a season long loan from Udinese last summer after registering 14 goals over 36 games in the 2024-25 term. That form was enough to place him among nine incoming players to Conte’s team, who are currently third in the league after 21 games.

Forest will hope that a change of environment and consistent minutes can unlock that version of Lucca. As one recruitment source might put it, “There is a striker there who thrives on confidence and continuity, and Forest are offering both.”

Transfer Context and Forward Targets

The deal does not close Forest’s business in the forward line. The Athletic reported last week that Iran international Mehdi Taremi was the top of their four forward list, with the arrival of Lucca not expected to change that, while Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Jorgen Strand Larsen was also being considered.

Photo: IMAGO

This suggests a broader strategy rather than a single solution. Lucca may be part of a wider recalibration of Forest’s attacking options, designed to protect against injury and inject variation into their front line.

International Experience and Outlook

Lucca has made five appearances for Italy but was not in the squad for the international fixtures in September, October and November. That absence underlines his current standing but also hints at motivation. A strong run in the Premier League could re open that international pathway.

For Forest, this is a move that blends pragmatism with ambition. It is not a marquee signing, but it is a statement of intent to compete, adapt and keep moving forward.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Nottingham Forest fan perspective, this feels like a sensible, if slightly underwhelming, piece of business. There is excitement in seeing a 25 year old striker with Serie A experience arrive, especially given Lucca’s 14 goal season with Udinese. That track record suggests there is more to come than what his Napoli numbers show.

However, there is also understandable caution. Two goals in 23 games and only 595 minutes does not scream instant impact. Supporters will be hoping this is not another case of a player needing months to settle while points are dropped in the meantime. With Chris Wood injured, Forest need someone who can contribute quickly, not just in theory.

The option to buy at around €40million is interesting. It shows belief in Lucca’s upside, but it also raises expectations. Fans will expect to see glimpses of why that valuation exists. Strong hold up play, presence in the box and a clear goal threat would go a long way in winning over the City Ground crowd.

There is also intrigue around the wider striker shortlist. If Mehdi Taremi is still a target, that suggests Forest are not putting all their eggs in one basket. From a supporter view, that is reassuring. Depth and competition up front could be the difference between a nervy run in and a more comfortable finish.

Ultimately, this feels like a move built on potential rather than guarantees. Forest fans will give Lucca time, but they will also want to see urgency, hunger and goals. In a tight Premier League, that combination matters more than reputation.