Tolu Arokodare: Key reason Wolves outcast rejected Fiorentina & Trabzonspor

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare appears destined to leave Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer, Afrik Foot reports.

The 25-year-old is currently at the centre of a transfer standoff after being frozen out of Wolves’ first-team activities following his decision to seek a move away from Molineux.

Arokodare has informed the Championship club of his desire to continue playing in one of Europe’s top five leagues following Wolves’ relegation from the Premier League.

Recent tensions escalated further after the Nigerian forward was prevented from training with the senior squad amid ongoing transfer discussions.

While Fiorentina and Trabzonspor have emerged as the strongest suitors, several factors suggest both moves could eventually collapse.

Why Trabzonspor are unlikely to sign Arokodare

Trabzonspor were among the first clubs to make a concrete approach for the Nigerian striker.

The Turkish side submitted a proposal to Wolves and view Arokodare as a possible replacement should Paul Onuachu depart this summer. However, the biggest obstacle is the player himself.

According to Footy Africa, sources close to Arokodare’s camp have maintained that the striker is not interested in moving to Turkey at this stage of his career. Instead, his preference is to remain in one of Europe’s major leagues, particularly Serie A.

Having struggled during his first season in England, Arokodare still believes he can establish himself at elite level and sees Italy as a better environment to rediscover the form that made him one of Belgium’s most prolific strikers.

Unless there is a dramatic change of mind, Trabzonspor appear to have little chance of convincing him.

Fiorentina face financial complications

On paper, Fiorentina remain the ideal destination. La Viola have already had one offer rejected and returned with an improved proposal worth around €22 million through a loan structure with a purchase option.

The problem lies in Wolves’ demands. The English club spent €27 million to sign Arokodare from Genk less than a year ago and are determined to avoid making a significant financial loss.

Wolves prefer either a permanent transfer close to their valuation or a deal containing an obligation to buy rather than an option.

That disagreement over the structure of the transfer could become a major stumbling block.

Fiorentina may have second thoughts

There are also reasons why Fiorentina may hesitate. Arokodare’s record of three league goals in England last season raises legitimate concerns about whether he can immediately adapt to Serie A.

Italian clubs traditionally operate cautiously in the transfer market, especially when investing heavily in players coming off difficult campaigns.

Although Fiorentina still have room to register another non-EU player despite signing Christ Oulaï, meaning there are no regulatory barriers to completing the deal, they may eventually decide that Wolves’ asking price represents too great a risk.

Furthermore, the Nigerian would face significant pressure to deliver immediately at a club with European ambitions.

A third club could emerge as favourites

Interestingly, recent developments suggest that another club may eventually benefit from the situation.

According to the report cited earlier, another Italian club has already expressed interest in Arokodare, although the club’s identity remains undisclosed.

Such a move may actually suit all parties. A smaller Serie A club could offer Arokodare guaranteed playing time, while Wolves may become more flexible if they receive an acceptable financial package.

The latest training-ground dispute also increases pressure on Wolves to resolve the situation quickly, particularly amid concerns surrounding FIFA’s new player protection regulations regarding first-team exclusions.

Why neither move currently looks certain

Trabzonspor face a player unwilling to join them. Fiorentina face financial disagreements with Wolves and may still harbour doubts about committing significant resources to a striker coming off a disappointing campaign.

As a result, although Arokodare’s departure from Wolves now appears inevitable, his next destination remains far from certain.

The most likely outcome may not be Florence or Trabzon after all, but rather the emergence of a new suitor capable of satisfying both Wolves’ valuation and the player’s ambition to continue playing in one of Europe’s top-flight leagues.