Napoli go all in on Lucca, as Darwin too expensive | OneFootball

Sky Sport Italia claim Napoli have decided it is too dangerous to keep waiting, so they will secure Udinese striker Lorenzo Lucca and give up on Darwin Nunez.

He had been on their radar for quite a few weeks, but was kept on ice while the Partenopei continued to negotiate with Liverpool for their first choice, namely Nunez.

Darwin Nunez of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Aston Villa FC at Anfield on November 09, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

With the lack of progress on that front, and the growing interest around Lucca from the likes of Milan and Atalanta, it has become evident Napoli cannot afford to keep waiting around.

Lucca chosen for Napoli attack

epa12135325 Udinese’s Lorenzo Lucca (C) jubilates with his teammates after scoring the goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match Udinese Calcio vs ACF Fiorentina at the Friuli – Bluenergy Stadium in Udine, Italy, 25 May 2025. EPA-EFE/GABRIELE MENIS

They have therefore decided to go all in on the Italy international and have agreed personal terms with the player.

Now the negotiations are whittling down the details on bonuses and add-ons, but the total cost of the operation should eventually be around €34m.

The 24-year-old was purchased from Pisa last summer for €8m following an initial loan, and his previous clubs include Ajax, Palermo and Torino.

He scored 12 goals in 33 Serie A appearances for Udinese last season.