Napoli Move Quickly for Tolu Arokodare After Lukaku Injury Blow

After Romelu Lukaku’s injury, Napoli started talks with Genk to sign striker Tolu Arokodare. Lukaku will be out for three months, so the Nigerian striker needs to replace him. That is why Tolu Arokodare became the main target of Napoli. Tolu Arokodare has been valued at €20–25 million as Genk made a huge investment in the player last summer, which has paid off.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Following Romelu Lukaku’s summer signing, Antonio Conte was confident of his side’s forward line possibilities. However, his talisman is set to miss three months due to two injuries. In a mad dash to find a replacement, Napoli is urgently searching for a new striker after Lukaku’s injury. The Partenopei have opened formal talks with Genk for striker Tolu Arokodare.

The 24-year-old forward joined Genk before the start of the 2024-25 season for an undisclosed club-record fee from Amiens. He had a brilliant campaign last season, scoring 23 goals and providing two assists, netting himself the Best African Player award in Belgium.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Nigerian international is adored by his club and fans because of how well he has played since joining the club. However, because of his consistency in front of the goal, numerous other European clubs have taken notice. The player has already drawn interest from Chelsea and Atletico Madrid, as well as others, though Napoli has surfaced as the primary bidder to date.

Tolu, who is open to leaving the club this season, is said to have had official conversations with Napoli’s management team. The player’s ability to play in numerous roles off the ball, as well as two positions in attack, will appeal to Spalletti.

WHAT DO YOU SEE NEXT FOR THE TEAM?

Napoli will play Sassuolo in the Serie A opener next weekend. Conte will be hoping to finalise Tolu’s transfer before Saturday’s game in order to have the player ready for the opening match. Meanwhile, Genk will be hoping to retain the young Nigerian in their squad this season as they continue to compete for the title.