Milan ‘Especially’ Interested In January Move For Italy Striker
Milan are said to be 'especially' interested in Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca but Roma are also in the picture.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 12 December 2025
Napoli and Italy striker Lorenzo Lucca is reported to be a target for Serie A rivals Milan and Roma ahead of the January transfer window.
Napoli’s Lorenzo Lucca linked with January exit amid Milan and Roma links
Lucca’s difficult start at Napoli has led to reports of interest from Serie A rivals Milan and Roma.
Napoli signed Lucca in the summer from Udinese, penning a loan deal with an obligation to buy worth around €35million in total, but he has struggled for consistent minutes so far.
The 25-year-old has played 538 minutes across 16 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring just two goals.
Lucca’s failure to hit the ground running at Napoli, along with their need for a new midfielder, has sparked speculation regarding his future ahead of the January transfer window.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Partenopei need to concentrate on outgoings before swooping for midfield reinforcements, and Lucca is among those who could leave.
Lucca has slipped down the pecking order under Antonio Conte and could be free to leave in January, while Milan and Roma are both in the market for a new No. 9.
Di Marzio has reported that the 6ft 7in striker has admirers in Italy, “especially by Milan” – if Santiago Gimenez leaves – and also by the Giallorossi.
Given Napoli’s large summer investment, the deal for the Italy international would most likely be in the form of a loan, added the transfer insider.
Napoli currently sit second in Serie A despite Lucca’s form and Romelu Lukaku’s absence.
On-loan Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has stepped in admirably.
How Santiago Gimenez and Joshua Zirkzee could hamper Milan and Roma plans to sign Lucca
Milan’s hopes of signing a new striker hinge on the departure of Gimenez, who joined for €32million last January but has been struggling for form this season.
Gimenez has missed Milan’s last five Serie A games but has only scored once in 11 appearances this term. He also hasn’t yet found the net in the league.
In recent days, the Mexican’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, has ruled out a move for the player. In turn, Gimenez is reportedly unwilling to leave Milan next month.
However, it remains to be seen whether the Rossoneri could force Gimenez’s exit. They could potentially bring in another striker to make available to Massimiliano Allegri.
Meanwhile, Roma’s priority for January remains Joshua Zirkzee, with talks ongoing over a potential deal with Manchester United, according to Sky Sport.
However, if the Giallorossi fail to land the Dutchman, Lucca appears to be an alternative solution for the centre-forward role.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte is a sports journalist with over a decade of professional experience in the industry. His main professional expertise is in soccer. Prior to joining FootItalia, he worked for the likes of Sports Mole, TBR Football, the Chelsea Chronicle and numerous other sites, along with having bylines in the likes of the Nottingham Post. He holds degrees in Journalism and International Relations.
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