Napoli eye ₦35bn-rated Nigerian striker to replace Osimhen’s replacement

Napoli’s striker crisis has deepened following Romelu Lukaku’s injury, and the Serie A champions are now considering Super Eagles forward Tolu Arokodare as a potential reinforcement.

The Genk striker, valued at around €20–25m, has emerged as a serious candidate in the club’s search for a new frontman.

Napoli’s plans for the new season were dealt a major blow when star forward Romelu Lukaku suffered a high-grade thigh injury during a preseason clash with Olympiacos.

The Belgian striker, who had been signed as Victor Osimhen’s replacement, has been ruled out for at least three months after medical examinations confirmed significant muscle damage.

“Following the injury he suffered during the match against Olympiacos, Romelu Lukaku underwent medical examinations… which revealed a high-grade injury,” Napoli announced in a statement.

With Lukaku sidelined, the club has been forced back into the transfer market, reigniting interest in several strikers including Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee and Nigerian talent Tolu Arokodare.

Arokodare, who finished as Belgium’s top scorer last season, is currently unsettled at Genk amid persistent transfer rumours.

Despite being linked with Premier League and Bundesliga clubs, the 24-year-old insists there have been no concrete offers for his services.

“It’s very frustrating, not knowing what’s going on… I don’t know if I’ll leave this season or next,” Arokodare told Belgian outlet Voetbalkrant.

The forward has started the new campaign as a substitute but continues to make an impact, scoring in Genk’s recent 2-1 defeat to Standard Liege. With Napoli now circling, his future could take a dramatic turn before the transfer window closes.