Tolu Arokodare: Two key reasons behind Ajax’s pursuit of wantaway Wolves star

Super Eagles forward Tolu Arokodare looks increasingly likely to leave English club Wolves this summer despite only joining the club last year, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 25-year-old arrived from Belgian side Genk after an outstanding spell in Belgium, where he won both the Belgian Golden Boot and the Ebony Shoe awards. However, his first season in English football proved difficult as he struggled to adapt.

Wolves also endured a disappointing campaign that ended in relegation to the Championship, further fuelling speculation that the Nigerian striker could leave the club this summer.

Recent developments have only intensified those rumours, particularly after reports claimed he was involved in a training ground disagreement. Arokodare has since denied those claims, insisting he has remained professional throughout his time at Wolves.

Nigeria and Wolves forward Tolu Arokodare. Copyright: xManjitxNarotrax IMAGO

Fiorentina and Trabzonspor had already expressed interest in signing the striker earlier in the transfer window. However, recent reports now suggest that Dutch giants Ajax have joined the race for his signature.

The Eredivisie club now appear to be a serious contender and there are two several reasons why they have stepped up their pursuit.

Ajax’s need for attacking reinforcements

Ajax were once among Europe’s elite and dominated Dutch football for many years, but they have struggled to maintain those standards in recent seasons. Their last major trophy came in 2022, and the club are determined to return to the top.

Tolu Arokodare. Photo by IMAGO

As part of that rebuild, Ajax have identified Arokodare as a striker capable of strengthening their attack and helping them compete with PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord for the Eredivisie title.

The Amsterdam club are looking to add more firepower after falling short in front of goal in recent campaigns and Arokodare’s previous goalscoring record suggests he could thrive in the right environment.

Although he struggled during his time at Wolves, he still showed flashes of quality throughout the season. Before moving to England, Arokodare was one of the most prolific strikers in Belgium and a move to Ajax could provide the perfect platform for him to rediscover that form.

Arokodare’s availability

Wolves had initially been keen to keep Arokodare, but recent developments suggest the club could now be open to letting him leave.

The reported training ground incident, although denied by the Super Eagles forward, together with the return of Raul Jimenez on a free transfer from Fulham, have pushed him further down the pecking order.

Rather than keep him on the bench, Wolves may decide that allowing him to move on would be the best solution for both parties. Compared to some of Ajax’s other attacking targets, Arokodare could also represent a more available option. 

Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare. Copyright: xDennisxGoodwinx IMAGO

However, the Dutch club will still need to fend off competition from Fiorentina and Trabzonspor, who remain interested in signing him.

With the transfer window still open, Arokodare’s future remains one to watch closely. If Ajax meet Wolves’ valuation, a move to Amsterdam could prove to be the fresh start the Super Eagles striker needs to revive his career.