Since returning to the Premier League, Nottingham Forest has been known for a frantic transfer window, making almost 30 signings during the 2022/23 season – their first in 23 years.
Business had to be done quickly so that Steve Cooper could have a squad capable of surviving the drop following a projected promotion campaign from the Championship that featured many loan players.
However, after a few years, the Reds are in the heart of a struggle for the top four, which has completely surprised the country.
Despite the transfer upheaval, Nuno Espírito Santo has successfully established a stable team and is already reaping the benefits of the campaign.
If they are to retain their present success, which has seen six top-flight wins in a row for the first time since 1966/67, quality over quantity is required this month, and one player connected with a move could provide just that.
Nottingham Forest are looking to sign a £17 million talisman this January.
According to Italian outlet Tutto Sport via Milan Posts, Forest is one of the clubs looking to sign Udinese striker Lorenzo Lucca this month.
The Italian, who is 6 feet 7, has seven goals in 19 Serie A matches in 2024/25 and could be available for around €20 million (£17 million).
According to the article, the Reds aren’t the only team interested in signing the 24-year-old. Napoli, Juventus, and AC Milan are also rumored to be keen.
His massive size would provide Nuno with another option alongside the red-hot Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi, boosting the offensive lineup and increasing the club’s chances of reaching the Champions League.
Lucca may establish a wonderful relationship with another potential signing from Serie A, with the thought of both players arriving surely an intriguing prospect for the crowd.
Why Lucca would be ideal alongside Douglas Luiz at Forest
In recent days, journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Reds were among many clubs interested in signing Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz on loan.
The Brazilian joined the Old Lady from Aston Villa for £42 million in the summer, although he has only made 13 Serie A appearances, two of which were as starters.
He previously starred in England for Unai Emery’s side, with 20 combined goals and assists in the league last season, but it is his passing ability that might see him play alongside prospective new signing Lucca.
Despite his height, the Italian, who has previously been named “one of the best forwards in Italy” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, can play off the shoulder, with Luiz’s 4.9 progressive passes per 90 assisting him in the final third.
Luiz also has a deadly set piece skill, which may provide the Udinese ace with several aerial opportunities – arguably one of the important components of his game as evidenced by his experience in Serie A.
The 24-year-old striker has won an average of 2.6 aerials per 90 minutes this season, providing a focal point that might be crucial on the counter given Nuno’s transitional playstyle.
The reported £17 million cost would be a fantastic bargain for a striker who has recently played for his country, bringing healthy competition and increased quality to the attack, something the hierarchy has attempted to accomplish in recent months.
The potential of Luiz’s passing range and Lucca’s ability to create and score in attacking areas is surely exciting, giving the fanbase more confidence that this season will be remembered for a long time.
