Italian Serie A side Fiorentina have intensified their efforts to sign Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare after submitting an improved transfer proposal worth €22 million as negotiations with Wolverhampton Wanderers gather pace.
The Florence based club are determined to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season and have returned with a fresh bid after their initial approach was rejected by the Premier League side. Fiorentina’s latest proposal is structured as a season long loan deal with an option to make the transfer permanent for €22 million next summer. Talks between both clubs are continuing as the Italian side push to secure one of Nigeria’s most promising forwards.
Arokodare is believed to be open to the move, viewing Serie A as an ideal environment to continue his development after spending just one season in England.
The 25 year old striker joined Wolverhampton Wanderers from Belgian club Genk last summer following an impressive spell in the Belgian Pro League, where he established himself as one of Europe’s emerging attacking talents.
Although opportunities were limited during his debut campaign in the Premier League, Arokodare showed flashes of his quality whenever called upon. He made 33 league appearances, scoring three goals and providing one assist while adapting to the intensity of English football.
Despite those contributions, competition for places in Wolves’ attack has made regular playing time difficult to secure. Fiorentina believe the Nigerian international possesses the physical presence, pace and finishing ability required to strengthen their frontline as they prepare for another demanding Serie A campaign and European competition.
The Italian club have been one of the busiest teams in the transfer market this summer as they seek to rebuild their squad following several key departures. Signing a proven centre forward has emerged as one of their top priorities, with Arokodare now regarded as a leading target.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Fiorentina’s revised proposal includes a loan agreement with a €22 million purchase clause, while discussions with the player and both clubs are progressing positively.
Negotiations are expected to continue over the coming days as Fiorentina attempt to convince Wolves to approve the deal.
The Premier League club are believed to be carefully evaluating the latest proposal before making a final decision. Wolverhampton remain aware of Arokodare’s long term potential and are unlikely to allow him to leave unless the financial terms meet their valuation.
The Nigerian forward remains under contract with Wolves until 2029, giving the English club a strong negotiating position. However, Fiorentina hope the structure of the deal, which reduces immediate financial risk while guaranteeing a substantial future fee, will persuade Wolves to accept the offer.
For Arokodare, a move to Italy could provide the opportunity to become a regular starter at one of Serie A’s historic clubs.
His combination of height, aerial ability and technical skill has earned praise throughout his career. Standing well over six feet tall, he offers a commanding presence inside the penalty area while also possessing the mobility to link play and create chances for teammates.
Those qualities have also made him an important player for the Super Eagles, with Nigerian supporters eager to see him continue his development ahead of future international competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the next FIFA World Cup cycle.
Fiorentina’s interest reflects the growing reputation of Nigerian footballers across Europe’s top leagues. Several Super Eagles stars are attracting attention during the current transfer window, highlighting the increasing value placed on Nigerian talent in elite football.
Should the transfer be completed, Arokodare would join a long list of Nigerian players who have featured in Italian football, where several have enjoyed successful careers over the years.
The move could also provide the striker with more consistent playing opportunities, an important factor as he seeks to cement his place in Nigeria’s national team under increasing competition for attacking positions.
While no agreement has yet been finalised, optimism is growing that negotiations could produce a breakthrough before the start of the new European season.
For Fiorentina, securing Arokodare would represent another significant addition as they aim to compete strongly in Serie A and challenge for European honours.
For Wolves, the coming days will be crucial in deciding whether to retain a player viewed as a long term investment or accept a deal that could generate a substantial financial return.
As discussions continue, the future of one of Nigeria’s most exciting strikers remains one of the biggest transfer stories involving African players this summer.
