Arokodare: New rule explained as Fiorentina remain in race for Nigeria star despite Oulaï move

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare’s dream move to the Italian Serie A this summer is still alive with Fiorentina among the admirers of the Wolves star, Afrik-Foot reports.

Trabzonspor appeared to receive a major boost in their pursuit of Arokodare after reports in Turkey claimed Fiorentina had been forced out of the race because of Serie A’s non-EU registration rules.

The report quickly gathered attention because Fiorentina had officially completed the signing of Ivory Coast midfielder Christ Inao Oulaï from Trabzonspor on July 19. The Serie A club confirmed the deal after agreeing a package worth an initial €26 million, with performance-related bonuses taking the total value to about €30 million. Trabzonspor also secured a 10 percent sell-on clause, while Oulaï signed a contract until June 2031.

Turkish reports suggested that Oulaï’s arrival had filled Fiorentina’s non-EU quota, leaving the Italian club unable to register another player arriving directly from outside the European Union. Based on that claim, Fiorentina were said to have withdrawn from negotiations for Arokodare, handing Trabzonspor a clear advantage in the race for the Nigerian international.

Trabzonspor are searching for a new leading striker after selling Augusto to Zenit in a deal worth €15 million plus another €5 million in bonuses. Club officials reportedly identified Arokodare as their preferred replacement and are preparing another attempt to convince Wolverhampton Wanderers to let him leave.

According to the Turkish report, Trabzonspor have already made progress in talks with the 25-year-old striker, previously linked with Besiktas. The report even claimed that Arokodare was persuaded after discussions with fellow Nigerian international Paul Onuachu, who is enjoying a successful spell with the Turkish club.

Trabzonspor are now expected to propose a loan deal with an option to buy. Wolves, however, remain in a strong negotiating position because Arokodare is under contract until 2029. The striker is currently valued at around €20 million after only completing a €24 million move from Belgian side Genk last year.

Arokodare enjoyed an outstanding final season in Belgium, scoring 23 goals in 39 competitive matches before earning his Premier League transfer. During his first season in England, he scored six goals in 38 appearances while continuing to attract interest from clubs across Europe.

Standing at 1.97 metres, Arokodare is widely recognised for his physical strength, aerial ability and finishing inside the penalty area. He also boast the ability to hold up play and bring teammates into attacks.

Why Fiorentina have not actually been ruled out of signing Arokodare

Although the Turkish report created the impression that Fiorentina could no longer complete a move for Arokodare, the current Serie A regulations tell a different story.

Under the latest FIGC and Lega Serie A rules, clubs are allowed to register two new non-EU players arriving from abroad during the same transfer window, provided they meet the competition’s squad requirements.

That means Oulaï only occupies one of Fiorentina’s available non-EU registration places, not both. The club therefore still has another non-EU slot available, meaning there is no regulatory obstacle preventing Arokodare from joining.

As a result, Fiorentina’s interest in the Nigerian striker remains alive despite completing Oulaï’s transfer.

Reports in Italy indicate that Fiorentina have continued working on a deal by improving their proposal to Wolverhampton Wanderers. The latest offer is understood to be a loan with an option to buy worth around €22 million, although Wolves are believed to want stronger financial terms before approving any transfer.

The biggest obstacle is therefore money, not registration rules.

Arokodare is also said to favour a move to Florence because he wants to continue playing in one of Europe’s top five leagues. Reports suggest he was left out of Wolves’ pre-season training camp in Portugal as discussions over his future continued, while Trabzonspor’s proposal has failed to become his preferred destination.

That leaves the transfer battle far from over. Trabzonspor remain interested and could yet submit another improved offer, especially after raising significant funds through Oulaï’s sale. However, the belief that Fiorentina were automatically eliminated because of non-EU restrictions is inaccurate under the current Serie A regulations.

Instead, the race now comes down to whether Fiorentina can agree a transfer fee with Wolves before Trabzonspor or any other interested club makes a more attractive proposal.