Napoli have set their sights on Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare as they scramble for reinforcements in the wake of Romelu Lukaku’s injury setback, Footynaija.com reports.
The Serie A champions, who had banked on Lukaku to spearhead their attack this season, were dealt a major blow after the Belgian was ruled out for around three months with a muscle injury. That development has pushed the club back into the transfer market with less than two weeks before the window closes.
According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Napoli have opened initial talks with Arokodare’s representatives to gauge the possibility of a deal. The Genk forward, valued between €20m and €25m, is fresh off a stellar campaign in Belgium where he won the Ebony Shoe award as the league’s best African player after finishing top scorer.
Despite his exploits last term, the 24-year-old has been restricted to cameo appearances so far this season, sparking rumours that Genk may be preparing for life without him. He has already found the net once in his limited minutes, displaying his sharpness in front of goal.
Napoli are also weighing up other options, with Manchester United’s Rasmus Højlund and Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson reportedly on their radar. Still, Arokodare’s combination of aerial power, clinical finishing and relative affordability makes him a serious contender for a late move to Italy.