Nottingham Forest are actively monitoring the striker market in the January transfer window, with the need to bolster their attacking options becoming ever more apparent. The club’s current attacking setup is led by Chris Wood, who has been in scintillating form this season, netting an impressive 12 goals and propelling Forest to an elevated third-place standing in the Premier League. His contributions have been crucial to the team’s success, and Forest will be hoping to continue their strong form.

However, while Wood’s performances have been exceptional, the situation behind him remains a bit more precarious. Taiwo Awoniyi, who has been a valuable asset to Forest, also impressed with his first goal of the season against Wolves on Monday night. Still, manager Steve Cooper knows that beyond these two, his options are limited, and injury to either of them could leave the team severely short in the striker department. This has prompted the club to explore potential additions to their forward line, especially as they prepare for the unpredictable demands of a congested fixture schedule.

Forest have been linked with Igor Jesus, a striker from Brazilian club Botafogo, who is beginning to attract European interest. Jesus is a versatile forward and could be an appealing option, but it seems Forest are setting their sights on other targets as well. One name that has been consistently mentioned in transfer reports is Mathys Tel, a player who is more versatile across the front three but may not be the classic centre-forward option that the club is searching for. Tel has been a standout talent in the Bundesliga, but his profile doesn’t quite align with the more traditional striker role that Forest seems to be prioritizing.

A more concrete and compelling target for Forest is Lorenzo Lucca, the Udinese striker who has been in fine form this season. At 24 years old, Lucca has established himself as one of the most exciting young strikers in Serie A, scoring 9 goals across all competitions during the 2024/25 campaign. The Italian forward is known for his physicality and aerial presence, standing nearly 6ft 6in tall, which has earned him comparisons to Erling Haaland, the powerful Manchester City striker. These physical attributes make him a different option for Forest compared to their current forwards, Wood and Awoniyi, both of whom offer different styles of play.

Lucca’s potential arrival would bring a significant upgrade to Forest’s attacking depth. Not only is he a proven goalscorer, but his playing style is characterized by a strong, aggressive approach in attack. Lucca plays with heart on his sleeve and has shown his ability to make an impact in Serie A, as well as on the international stage, earning his first cap for Italy in October. His dynamic, combative style would be an asset to Forest’s forward line, offering a more physical presence in comparison to the finesse and positioning-based style of Wood.

However, signing Lucca will not be straightforward for Forest. The striker is reportedly valued at £16 million, and there is expected to be stiff competition for his signature. Milan, Juventus, and Napoli are among the clubs also interested in securing his services, meaning Forest will have to act swiftly if they are to land him. The fact that several top Italian and European clubs are targeting Lucca only adds to the complexity of the situation, as the striker’s value continues to rise. Moreover, Lucca’s strong performances this season have only intensified the interest surrounding him, and his upcoming suspension for picking up a fifth yellow card this week is unlikely to affect his transfer value.

For Forest, securing a player like Lucca would provide them with a fresh attacking option, one that could offer a different dynamic compared to their current strikers. While Wood and Awoniyi both offer solid qualities, including Wood’s aerial prowess and Awoniyi’s speed and strength, Lucca brings an extra element to the table. His physicality would allow him to be a powerful target man, capable of holding up play and using his height and strength to challenge defenders. This could provide Forest with another dimension in attack, especially in matches where they may need a more direct approach or in tight games where a more imposing striker could make a difference.

With the transfer window now in full swing, Nottingham Forest are in a good position to strengthen their squad and address the potential issue of lacking striker depth. As their Premier League campaign progresses, securing a striker like Lorenzo Lucca would go a long way in providing cover for Wood and Awoniyi while adding another potent goal-scoring threat to their ranks. However, Forest will have to be prepared for a bidding war, and it remains to be seen whether they can win the race for the Udinese striker. Nonetheless, with a player of Lucca’s quality, Forest could be making a shrewd investment in their future, enhancing their chances of maintaining their push for European football next season.