Three reasons Super Eagles star Tolu Arokodare could struggle at Fiorentina

Super Eagles forward Tolu Arokodare has been strongly linked with a summer transfer to Serie A side Fiorentina, Afrik-Foot reports.

​The 25-year-old joined Wolverhampton Wanderers from Genk last year in a deal worth €26 million. He endured a challenging debut season, managing six goals and two assists in 38 appearances as Wolves finished bottom of the league and suffered relegation.

​Following their relegation, reports emerged that the club was going to part ways with the Nigerian international.

Then in a move which signaled that he is no longer part of their plans, manager Cesar Peixoto recently left Arokodare out of the pre-season squad.

​Fiorentina appear to be his most likely destination, having already tabled two bids for the striker. After an initial offer was rejected, the Italian club returned with a second proposal on Wednesday — a loan with a €22 million purchase option.

This figure is quite close to Wolves’ valuation, so they could strike a deal soon. In the meantime, Arokodare is said to be keen on the move.

​However, despite the potential for a fresh start, there are three key reasons why Arokodare might struggle to adapt to Serie A.

​1. Can Tolu Arokodare Secure Regular Minutes?

​A lack of consistent playing time at Wolverhampton Wanderers was a major factor in Arokodare’s disappointing campaign.

So, to return to his best, he definitely needs regular minutes — a guarantee he may not find at Fiorentina. The club already has other options like M’Bala Nzola, Roberto Piccoli, and star forward Moise Kean.

​With Fiorentina focusing primarily on domestic competitions, manager Fabio Grosso is unlikely to rotate his lineup heavily. Unless a striker departs or Grosso shifts to a two-striker system, Arokodare may find himself fighting for limited opportunities.

​2. Can This Super Eagles Star Adapt to The New Italian Environment?

​Should the transfer materialize, it will mark Arokodare’s first experience in Italian football. Adjusting to a new country, culture, and tactical environment in a short period can be a significant hurdle for any player, and failure to settle quickly could directly impact his performance on the pitch.

This happens to many players. And for a striker like Arokodare who is low on confidence after his failure at Wolves, he might struggle at Fiorentina.

​3. Why Arokodare is a Mismatch For Fiorentina

​Arokodare’s game is defined by his physical presence in the box and his ability to thrive on crosses. Conversely, Fabio Grosso favors a fluid striker capable of linking up play—a role Moise Kean currently excels in.

​Grosso demands a high work rate and a striker who is deeply involved in build-up play and fights for every loose ball. As Arokodare has historically played a more traditional target-man role, there will need to be a significant compromise: either Grosso must adapt his tactical approach, or Arokodare will need to undergo a major change in his playing style.