Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare is edging closer to a Wolverhampton Wanderers exit, with Italian Serie A side Fiorentina emerging as his preferred destination despite interest from Turkish giants Trabzonspor, Footy-Africa understands.
The Nigerian international is expected to leave Molineux following Wolves’ relegation from the Premier League, with both club and player ready to move in different directions this summer.
Arokodare endured a frustrating first season in England after arriving from Belgian Pro League side KRC Genk last summer.
The 25-year-old scored just three goals and registered one assist in 33 league appearances, although only 13 of those came as starts, as Wolves struggled throughout the campaign before dropping into the EFL Championship.
With Wolves looking to reshape their squad and ease financial pressures following relegation, the club are reportedly open to offers for the striker. For Arokodare, however, remaining at Championship level is not part of the plan.
Fiorentina have intensified their pursuit by submitting an improved offer reportedly worth €22 million (£18.76 million). The proposal is understood to include a season-long loan with an option to make the deal permanent next summer.
Trabzonspor have also made a formal approach for the Nigerian forward, but sources indicate the player has little interest in a move to Turkey, preferring to continue his career in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
A source close to the player told Footy-Africa that while negotiations remain ongoing, Arokodare is leaning strongly towards a move to Florence.
“There is a lot going on, but I can only tell you what I know and what will protect the player so that nothing is jeopardised,” the source said. “Tolu wants a move and a new direction. From what I know, he is more interested in the Fiorentina deal. As far as I know, Trabzonspor and Fiorentina are the two clubs that have shown genuine interest.”
“Yes, there are other clubs monitoring him, but he does not want to play in the Championship, and I believe Wolves are also open to selling him. Trabzonspor have already made their move, but he is leaning more towards Fiorentina because he sees Serie A as the right environment for him to rediscover the form he showed at Genk.”
A move to Fiorentina would represent a fresh start for the striker, who enjoyed an outstanding spell in Belgium before making the switch to England.
The Italian club believe Arokodare possesses the physical presence and attacking qualities needed to thrive in Serie A, while the player views the league as the ideal platform to relaunch his career and strengthen his place in the Super Eagles setup.
