Nottingham Forest Close To Signing Napoli Striker Lorenzo Lucca As Pisa ‘Sidelined’
Lorenzo Lucca is seemingly close to a breakthrough with Nottingham Forest as Pisa fall behind in the race for the Napoli striker.
Giuseppe Labellarte
Updated on 22 January 2026
Nottingham Forest have taken the lead in the race for Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca, according to reports from Italy.
Speculation linking Forest and Lucca has been intensifying in recent weeks as the Reds seek reinforcements up front.
Earlier this week, it looked touch-and-go as, according to reports, Lucca preferred staying in Italy amid links with Pisa.
However, Italian reports say Forest have moved into pole position after pushing hardest on the structure Napoli want.
Lorenzo Lucca and why Nottingham Forest are now in front
Nottingham Forest are “close” to signing Lorenzo Lucca, with the final details described as the last hurdle, according to Tuttomercatoweb.
The proposed deal is a paid loan worth around €1m, plus a €35m option to buy at the end of the season.
That makes the full package roughly €36m, which Napoli appear comfortable with for a striker they are ready to move on.
And while Lucca is not yet entirely sure about moving to the English Premier League, the report suggests it’s a matter of time before he says yes.
Lorenzo Lucca and why Pisa have been ‘sidelined’
Pisa have been keen on bringing Lorenzo Lucca back, and earlier reports in Italy said they were trying to convince him.
However, they have apparently proposed a straight loan, without the kind of purchase clause that Napoli sought.
Forest’s offer does exactly that, which is why Pisa are now being ‘sidelined’, as per the latest reports.
There has also been a wider Napoli domino effect. TMW say Napoli are close to resolving Noa Lang’s exit ‘in the details’.
This could help them finalise other business too and unlock the opportunity for them to speed things up for both incomings and outgoings.
Napoli like Evan Ferguson, who continues to face an uncertain future on loan at Roma from Brighton.
For Lucca, the decision is about the role and project at hand. Pisa offers familiarity, while Forest offers Premier League spotlight and wages.
For now, the momentum is with Forest. If the last details get over the line, the Serie A side may have to move on.
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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