Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche has confirmed the club is actively pursuing the addition of a new striker during the January transfer window, with the team reportedly closing in on Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca. The pursuit of attacking reinforcements comes as the Reds navigate a crucial period, balancing Premier League survival with their ongoing Europa League campaign.
Forest's need for a new striker has become increasingly apparent due to a combination of factors. Arnaud Kalimuendo recently joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan, leaving Dyche with fewer options up front. Chris Wood remains sidelined following knee surgery, and there are question marks surrounding Taiwo Awoniyi's future at the club. Currently, Brazilian forward Igor Jesus is leading the line for Forest, but he recently sustained a knock, further highlighting the team's lack of depth in attack.
The club's efforts have seemingly focused on 25-year-old Lorenzo Lucca, who is currently on loan at Napoli from Udinese. Reports suggest that Forest are close to finalizing a loan deal for the Italian international, with an initial fee of €1 million. Furthermore, the agreement is expected to include an option to buy Lucca for a fee of around €35-40 million. Lucca is reportedly scheduled to undergo a medical in England soon.
Securing a striker has been identified as a difficult task for Nottingham Forest. Forest are currently 17th in the Premier League and have struggled to find the net consistently this season. Their goalless draw against Arsenal highlighted their struggles to convert effort into goals. While they have attempted the most crosses in the league (532), their completion rate ranks just 17th, resulting in only five goals from those deliveries. A player like Lucca, who "thrives when he gets on the end of balls into the box," is seen as an appealing solution to their attacking woes.
However, Forest are also looking at other options to bolster their squad. They are reportedly interested in Brighton midfielder Jack Hinshelwood, although Brighton seem unwilling to sell him.
