Nigeria Players Abroad
Rumour Mills: Napoli step up interest in Nigeria’s Arokodare as Lukaku replacement

By Dayo Awoniyi
Italian champions Napoli have stepped up their pursuit of Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare as they seek a replacement for injured Romelu Lukaku, who faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
According to Il Mattino, representatives of the Super Eagles forward met with Napoli officials on Tuesday, a clear sign of the Serie A club’s growing determination to bring him to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
The 23-year-old, currently on the books of Belgian side KRC Genk, is valued at between €20 million and €25 million. He enjoyed a breakout 2023/24 campaign, scoring 23 goals and supplying seven assists in 45 appearances across all competitions.
Towering at 1.97m, the Lagos-born striker is renowned for his aerial power, hold-up play, and physical presence — traits that have seen him compared to Lukaku himself.
Arokodare began his European adventure in Latvia with Valmiera before stints at Amiens in France and then Genk, where his consistency has established him as one of the Belgian Pro League’s most lethal marksmen.
His form has also pushed him into contention with Nigeria’s Super Eagles, where he is regarded as part of the country’s exciting new generation of forwards.
For Napoli, he represents not only a stop-gap for Lukaku’s absence but also a long-term investment, with the club fighting on multiple fronts including Serie A and the UEFA Champions League.
With the new season fast approaching, the pressure is mounting for Napoli to strike a deal swiftly.