Napoli working to wrap up Lorenzo Lucca transfer amid Atalanta interest | OneFootball

Napoli are looking to accelerate their efforts to wrap up the signing of Udinese striker Lorenzo Lucca amid competition from Atalanta, reports Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio.

The Serie A champions have been engaged in talks with the Italian striker for weeks, however, Atalanta have recently entered the transfer race.

The Bergamo-based giants are looking to find a replacement for Mateo Retegui, who is on the verge of a big-money move to Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah.

Nevertheless, Napoli remain in pole position and have held positive talks with Udinese and Lucca’s entourage.

Antonio Conte’s side have identified Lucca as an ideal back-up for Romelu Lukaku following his notable progress in recent years.

The 24-year-old has emerged as one of Serie A’s promising strikers, bagging 14 goals and two assists for Udinese last season.

Making his debut with the Italian national team last year, Lucca’s fine form has caught the attention of a host of fellow Italian clubs.

Napoli have shifted their focus towards Lucca after failing to make a breakthrough in the transfer talks for Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez.

While Nunez appears keen on the move, the Premier League giants have turned down Napoli’s bid worth €55 million.

The Scudetto winners could go again for the Uruguayan International after sorting out the departure of Victor Osimhen.

Galatasaray – where Osimhen spent the last season on loan – are in advanced talks to secure a permanent deal for the Nigerian, while Napoli stand firm on the €75 million valuation.

The Italian giants have also rejected Gala’s idea of paying the transfer fee in instalments, demanding the release clause be triggered fully.

They have finalised a deal to sign PSV Eindhoven winger Noa Lang and are close to striking an agreement for Bologna centre-back Sam Beukema.