Fabrizio Romano: Serie A champions Napoli contact Arokodare's camp after Lukaku injury

Napoli have accelerated their pursuit of a new striker after Romelu Lukaku suffered a significant muscle injury during a pre-season friendly, sidelining the Belgian star for the early part of the 2025-26 Serie A season.

The Italian champions, under the guidance of manager Antonio Conte, are actively exploring the transfer market to bolster their attacking options, with KRC Genk’s Tolu Arokodare emerging as a prime target.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Napoli made contact with Arokodare’s representatives on Tuesday, as they seek a replacement for Lukaku. 

The 24-year-old Nigerian striker, valued at €20-25 million by Genk, was the top scorer in the Belgian Pro League last season, netting 21 goals and providing six assists in 40 appearances. 

Arokodare’s physical presence, standing at 6’6”, and his aerial dominance make him a stylistic match for Lukaku, offering Napoli a powerful focal point in attack.

This move follows Napoli’s earlier approach for Manchester United’s Rasmus Højlund on Monday, indicating the club’s urgency to secure a reliable forward before the transfer window closes in two weeks. 

With Victor Osimhen having joined Galatasaray and Giacomo Raspadori sold to Atletico Madrid, Napoli’s current striker options are limited to Lorenzo Lucca, recently signed from Udinese. 

The club’s scouting network has also identified other candidates, including Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic and Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, but Arokodare’s affordability and proven goal-scoring record in Belgium make him an attractive option.

Arokodare, who earned his first senior cap for Nigeria in 2025, has also been linked with teams in England and Germany. 

Wale Adejumo

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