EXCLUSIVE: Napoli in talks for Udinese stars Samardzic and Lucca

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 31 May 2024 10:37 BST
• 3 min read

Exclusive

Napoli have initiated initial discussions with Udinese over the potential signings of midfielder Lazar Samardzic and striker Lorenzo Lucca, FootballTransfers can reveal.

We are told that the Serie A club are looking to bolster their attack following a torrid campaign in which they finished 10th in the league despite a Scudetto win the season prior.

Samardzic has impressed once again in Italy, with the 22-year-old racking up eight goal contributions last season.

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But indeed, Napoli are also after Lucca, who has had an impressive stint since joining Udinese on loan last summer. The 23-year-old finished as the team's top scorer last term with nine goals.

The towering forward is on loan from Pisa Sporting Club in Serie B but Udinese have an option-to-buy for €8 million, which they are set to activate this summer.

While the discussions are still in the early stages, Napoli do have a keen interest in securing both players ahead of a crucial transfer window for Gli Azzurri.

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Who is Lazar Samardzic?

Samardzic began his youth football journey with BSV Grun-Weiss Neukolln in 2008 and continued there until 2009. He began his professional career with Hertha Berlin, playing in their youth set-up.

While playing for Hertha Berlin's U17 and U19 teams, Samardzic scored 16 and 14 goals, respectively.

He made his debut in 2020 against Union Berlin after coming on as a substitute. It was enough for the player to secure a move to RB Leipzig, signing a five-year contract the following season. After a single campaign there, the youngster moved across to Udinese, where he has continued to flourish.

Samardzic, who plays international football for Serbia, has superb ball-striking ability and is dangerous when provided with set-piece opportunities. He thrives in the final third and can create chances for his team-mates with his astute technical ability and passing range.

He is a productive player who likes to move into the half-space with the intention of playing the ball back across to the strikers.