Ajax step up move for Wolves striker Arokodare after training-ground meltdown

Ajax have intensified their pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Tolu Arokodare after the Nigerian striker’s relationship with the English club collapsed amid a series of disciplinary flashpoints.

The Amsterdam side are closely tracking the 25-year-old’s situation and believe they can exploit the uncertainty at Molineux, where his future is now regarded as effectively over, according to reports in the Netherlands.

Ajax, who have already spent about €20m to bring in Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo, want a second centre-forward with a contrasting profile and see the 1.97m (6ft 6in) Arokodare as an ideal option to add height, physicality and hold-up play to their attack.

The Dutch giants are reshaping their squad for a demanding season in the Eredivisie and in Europe, and club figures are convinced that adding a powerful target man would give head coach Miguel Angel Sanchez Munoz greater tactical flexibility.

Ajax eye opportunity as Wolves turmoil deepens

Transfer specialist Matteo Moretto, cited by Voetbalprimeur, reports that Ajax are “closely following” developments around Arokodare, whose move to England in 2025 has unravelled far quicker than either club expected.

Wolves signed the Super Eagles striker from Belgian side KRC Genk last summer for a fee believed to be between €26m and €27m, after he finished as the Belgian league’s top scorer with 23 goals in a standout campaign.

But his first season in England proved difficult. Arokodare scored just six goals and provided two assists in 38 appearances, as Wolves suffered relegation from the Premier League and were forced to cut costs and listen to offers for some of their most valuable assets.

Those financial pressures, combined with his modest output, placed Arokodare on the transfer list – and Ajax are now working to convince him that a switch to the Netherlands could relaunch his career at the highest level.

Training session cancelled after striker refusal

The sporting disappointment has been compounded by disciplinary issues that have severely damaged Arokodare’s standing inside the Wolves dressing room.

Manager Cesar Peixoto reportedly removed the forward from first-team activities and barred him from training with the senior squad after tensions escalated during the off-season.

The situation reached a dramatic low in recent hours when Wolves were forced to cancel an entire first-team training session. According to reports, Arokodare refused to leave the pitch after being instructed to do so, prompting club officials to intervene. In the aftermath, Wolves are said to have increased security around their training ground.

Dressing-room clash and pre-season exile

Frictions between player and club began before pre-season. Late last season, Arokodare was fined following a dressing-room altercation with young teammate Mateus Mane, during which he was reportedly identified as the sole aggressor. The episode further undermined his position at Molineux.

His omission from Wolves’ pre-season camp in Portugal is widely viewed as confirmation that both sides are working towards a permanent parting of ways before the transfer window closes.

Strong interest in Italy and Turkey

Ajax face competition from across Europe. In Serie A, Genoa are understood to have placed Arokodare high on their list of attacking targets and are weighing him up alongside Roma striker Artem Dovbyk.

Fiorentina previously held advanced talks over a season-long loan with a €22m option to buy, but negotiations stalled after the Florence club used their final non-EU registration slot on another signing. Newly promoted Pisa have also added Arokodare to their shortlist as they prepare for life in the Italian top flight.

In Turkey, Trabzonspor have already tabled a proposal built around a loan deal with a €20m purchase option. Galatasaray and Besiktas are also longstanding admirers of the Nigeria international.

With at least six clubs across Europe either monitoring or actively pursuing Arokodare, the Super Eagles striker is widely expected to leave Wolves in the coming weeks, with Ajax currently among the leading candidates for his signature.