Arsenal Monitoring £25m Italian Striker Ahead Of Summer

Image credit: Getty Images

Arsenal are considering a move for Udinese striker Lorenzo Lucca as they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports from Italy.

The 24-year-old forward has been in fine form this season, scoring 10 goals in Serie A and attracting attention from several top clubs. Italian outlet Messaggero Veneto claims that both Arsenal and Liverpool are closely monitoring Lucca’s situation, but they are not alone in the race for his signature. Nottingham Forest have also expressed interest, while Atletico Madrid have reportedly made initial inquiries.

Udinese, currently sitting 10th in Serie A, are demanding a fee of £25.1 million for their towering striker, who stands at an imposing 6ft 7in.

READ MORE: Manchester City enter negotiations for £50 million Arsenal target

Lucca recently made headlines for an on-field dispute with his Udinese teammates. In a match against Lecce last month, he took the ball from club captain Florian Thauvin to take a penalty, leading to a heated argument. Although Lucca converted the spot kick, his teammates did not join in the celebrations. Head coach Kosta Runjaic responded by substituting the striker in the 37th minute.

Arsenal - Lorenzo Lucca — ***Lorenzo Lucca (Image credit: Getty Images)***

“I made the decision because someone who is not following the rules in that moment is not showing respect for the whole team,” Runjaic explained after the match. “We are a team, and all that we have achieved so far has been through teamwork. Nobody is bigger than the club.”

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In addition to attracting interest from clubs across Europe, Lucca has expressed a desire to move to a bigger team in order to enhance his chances of securing a starting role in the Italian national team.

“To be a starter means to be one of the 11 best Italians,” Lucca said in an interview with Sportweek in January. “To achieve that, I need to play for one of the top teams in Italy or abroad.”