As the Italian champions “move for” an Italian striker, Darwin Nunez is not going to Napoli.

It looks like Napoli has given up on Darwin Nunez. The Italian champions are reportedly nearing a deal for Udinese forward Lorenzo Lucca instead of Liverpool after more than a month of talks.

Liverpool refused to allow the Uruguayan international to leave without substantial financial conditions, even though he was open to a move to Serie A. Although Galatasaray is thought to be on the verge of invoking Victor Osimhen’s release clause, Napoli was also waiting to finalize his possible departure.

But the Nunez talks haven’t advanced much in a number of weeks, and Saudi teams are once more expressing interest in the former Benfica player. While Napoli is concentrating their resources elsewhere, they have signed wing-back Juanlu Sanchez, wingers Noa Lang and Dan Ndoye, defender Sam Beukema, and Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer.

Napoli close in on Lucca deal

Romelu Lukaku’s partner, a new striker, is still needed, according to head coach Antonio Conte. Despite Lukaku’s significant contribution to the team’s championship run the previous season, Napoli lacked a reliable goal scorer to take Osimhen’s place. Lorenzo Lucca, 24, seems to be the club’s primary target at this point.

The Italian striker, who is currently with Udinese, has previously played for a number of Italian clubs. After making an impression at Pisa, he was briefly signed by Ajax, but he was unable to make a name for himself in the Netherlands before rejoining Serie A. Lucca has scored 20 goals in the last two seasons, demonstrating consistent growth as opposed to high production. Nevertheless, his physical characteristics and technical skill set have identified him as a forward who could become Napoli’s primary striker.

Although he won’t be inexpensive, Lucca should be far less expensive than Nunez. According to reports, the deal is worth up to €35 million (£29.7 million) including bonuses, which is nearly the same amount that Atletico Madrid paid for Rodrigo De Paul.

The main question at this point is whether Lucca can provide what Nunez could have provided and if he can outperform Lukaku in terms of influence. Despite being 31, Lukaku is still among the best strikers in the league after winning his second Serie A championship with 14 goals and 10 assists the previous season. That caliber of work establishes a high standard, and Lucca will have to demonstrate that he can meet it.