Ajax join transfer race for Super Eagles star wanted by Pisa, Genoa, Fiorentina

Dutch giants Ajax have become the latest club to show serious interest in signing Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Soccernet.ng reports.

Transfer expert Matteo Moretto (via Voetbalprimeur) reports that Ajax are closely following the 25-year-old’s situation after his relationship with Wolves completely broke down. The Eredivisie side believe they could take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding the Nigerian international, whose future at Molineux appears all but over.

Ajax have already strengthened their attack by spending around €20 million to sign Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo, but the Amsterdam club are still searching for another forward with a different style. Standing at 1.97 metres (6ft 6in), Arokodare offers the physical presence, aerial strength and hold-up play that Ajax feel could add another dimension to their attack.

The Dutch champions are rebuilding their squad ahead of another campaign in domestic football and European competition. Club officials believe adding a powerful striker alongside their existing attacking options would give head coach Miguel Ángel Sánchez Muñoz more tactical flexibility during a demanding season.

Ajax’s interest comes at a time when Arokodare’s future at Wolves has become complicated. Wolves signed the striker from Belgian side KRC Genk in the summer of 2025 for a fee reported to be between €26 million and €27 million. The move came after Arokodare enjoyed an outstanding campaign in Belgium, where he finished as the league’s top scorer with 23 goals.

However, life in England did not go according to plan. The Nigerian managed only six goals and two assists in 38 appearances during his first season at Wolves. The club also suffered relegation from the Premier League, forcing the management to reduce spending and consider selling some of their highest-value players.

Those events have left Arokodare available on the transfer market, with Ajax now hoping they can convince him that a move to the Netherlands could help revive his career.

Arokodare’s difficult first year in England was made even worse by a series of disciplinary problems that damaged his relationship with Wolves.

Manager César Peixoto reportedly removed the striker from first-team activities and banned him from training with the senior squad after tensions continued to grow.

The situation reached its lowest point over the last few hours when Wolves were forced to cancel an entire first-team training session. According to reports, Arokodare refused to leave the pitch after being instructed to do so, prompting club officials to step in. Following the incident, Wolves increased security around their training facilities.

The problems had already started before pre-season. Toward the end of last season, Arokodare was fined after a dressing-room confrontation with young teammate Mateus Mané, where he was reportedly identified as the sole aggressor. The incident further weakened his position at the club.

His exclusion from Wolves’ pre-season training camp in Portugal effectively confirmed that both player and club are preparing for a permanent separation before the transfer window closes.

Ajax are not alone in pursuing the Nigerian striker. Italian Serie A side Genoa have identified him as one of their priority attacking targets and are assessing him alongside Roma striker Artem Dovbyk. Fiorentina previously held advanced talks over a season-long loan that included a €22 million option to buy, but negotiations stalled after the club used its final non-EU registration place on another signing.

Newly promoted Pisa have also added Arokodare to their shortlist as they prepare for the new Serie A season. Interest is equally strong in Turkey. Trabzonspor have already submitted a proposal built around a loan deal with a €20 million purchase option. Galatasaray and Beşiktaş are also long-term admirers of the Super Eagles striker.

With at least six European clubs now monitoring or actively pursuing Arokodare, the Super Eagles striker is unlikely to remain at Wolves for much longer.