Napoli: Lukaku returns, Lucca sidelined, Milan and Roma links | OneFootball

Napoli’s offensive situation is entering a decisive phase, with sporting director Giovanni Manna called upon to make strategic decisions ahead of the winter transfer window.

Napoli, Lukaku nearing return, Lucca on the fringes: transfer scenarios and connections with Milan and Roma

The squad coached by Antonio Conte, already tested by injuries in midfield, could undergo significant changes in the attacking department as well. At the center of these considerations is Lorenzo Lucca, who arrived only a few months ago with the prospect of becoming a structural asset in the technical project.

The context: a summer of investments and an autumn of reconsiderations

Lucca joined Napoli from Udinese on a loan deal with an obligation to buy, for a total operation close to 30 million. In the original plans, he was supposed to be the natural backup to Romelu Lukaku. But the Belgian’s injury forced the club to act immediately, and the signing of Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United suddenly complicated the internal hierarchy.

Now that Lukaku is close to returning and Hojlund has earned a starting spot, an inevitable question arises: how much of an impact can Lucca have in the remainder of the season?

The striker’s season: limited playing time and uncertain prospects

Despite Lukaku’s prolonged absence, Lucca has collected just over 500 minutes in total, accompanied by two goals. This tally is not enough to shake Conte’s convictions, especially now that Napoli finds itself with an elite duo of Hojlund and Lukaku. The 2000-born striker, meanwhile, has also lost his place in the national team, a factor that could influence the evaluations of his entourage.

The possibility of a January exit, initially remote, is becoming an increasingly concrete hypothesis.

Transfer connections: Roma and Milan are watching

Several top clubs are considering reinforcements in attack, and Lucca’s name appears on more than one list.

Roma could make an early move in the market by interrupting Evan Ferguson’s loan. The priority remains Joshua Zirkzee, but a solution involving Lucca, under the right financial conditions, is considered attractive. Gasperini, in particular, sees in his profile a functional alternative in case the main negotiations fall through.

At the same time, Milan is also keeping a close eye. Already in the summer, the Rossoneri management had made inquiries, and that interest has never completely faded. The club appreciates the striker’s physical presence and growth potential. If Napoli were to open up to a loan, Milan could act quickly.

Outlook: a decision that will influence the balance of the transfer market

The evolution of the Lucca case could become one of the most significant dynamics of the January transfer window. Napoli, Roma, and Milan are facing complementary needs: the Azzurri want to remain competitive without further overloading the squad, while the Giallorossi and Rossoneri are looking for a striker with specific characteristics.

In this scenario, Lucca’s future represents a variable capable of influencing technical balance and medium-term strategies. If Napoli does decide to loan him out, an interesting race could develop among the Italian giants in search of a new attacking reference point.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.