Nigeria Players Abroad
Atalanta identify Arokodare as top target to replace Retegui amid Lookman uncertainty

By Dayo Awoniyi
Serie A side Atalanta have identified Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare as their top candidate to replace Mateo Retegui following the Italian forward’s €65 million move to Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah, according to reports from Italian journalist Alfredo Pedullà, cited by Bold Sports.
Arokodare, currently on the books of Belgian side Genk, heads a three-man shortlist as Atalanta intensify their search for a new striker ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The 23-year-old Super Eagles forward is coming off a breakout season in the Belgian Pro League, where he scored 23 goals and registered five assists across all competitions, earning him the league’s Golden Boot and multiple individual accolades.
While Atalanta consider Arokodare their primary target, negotiations could prove challenging with Genk, particularly as other clubs are also monitoring the player’s situation.
Fulham’s Brazilian striker Rodrigo Muniz and Lecce’s Nikola Krstovic are also under consideration.
However, Fulham are reportedly reluctant to sell Muniz with the Premier League season set to begin soon, while Krstovic has impressed with 19 goals in 54 appearances.
Retegui’s departure has left a significant gap in Atalanta’s attack after a standout season in which he netted 25 Serie A goals and added eight assists, along with three goals in the UEFA Champions League.
Meanwhile, Atalanta are engaged in parallel negotiations with Inter Milan over the potential transfer of Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman.
Should Lookman depart, Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa has been identified as a possible replacement.