Transfers: Why Tolu Arokodare won’t join Fiorentina or Trabzonspor despite interest

Tolu Arokodare could be set for life in the English Championship next season as the Nigerian forward is seemingly in no hurry to leave Wolverhampton Wanderers, Afrik-Foot reports.

Wolves have made it clear that they are not ready to let Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare leave this summer after rejecting an approach from Italian Serie A club Fiorentina.

At the same time, the former Genk forward has reportedly ruled out a move to Turkish giants Trabzonspor, bringing an end to speculation over two possible destinations.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Wolves turned down Fiorentina’s attempt to sign the 25-year-old striker. Romano also reported that Arokodare has no interest in joining Trabzonspor, despite the Turkish side monitoring his situation during the transfer window.

The developments come after a difficult first season for Arokodare in English football. The Nigerian completed a high-profile move from Belgian club Genk to Wolves last summer after finishing as one of the standout forwards in Belgium. His impressive goal-scoring record earned him a chance to test himself in the Premier League, but his debut campaign proved far more challenging than expected.

Wolves struggled throughout the 2025/26 season and eventually suffered relegation to the Championship. Arokodare also found it difficult to establish himself as a regular starter under the club’s coaching staff. He featured in 33 Premier League matches but started only 13 of those games, with the remaining 20 appearances coming from the substitutes’ bench.

Despite his limited opportunities, the Nigerian still managed to score three league goals and provide one assist in 1,407 Premier League minutes. Across all competitions, he made 42 appearances, scoring four goals, including one in the domestic cup competitions.

Although those numbers were well below the standards he set during his time at Genk, several clubs across Europe continue to believe the striker has plenty of untapped potential. Wolves’ decision to reject Fiorentina’s approach suggests the Championship club still values the Nigerian and is not prepared to sell him unless the right offer arrives.

Arokodare looking for the right next step

Arokodare’s first year in England was a major contrast to the campaign that earned him his move from Belgium. At Genk, he was one of the league’s most dangerous forwards and regularly found the back of the net. However, adapting to the speed, physical style and tactical demands of the Premier League proved much harder than many expected.

Statistics from the season show both the positives and negatives of his performances. While his finishing lacked consistency, he remained one of Europe’s strongest aerial forwards. Data showed that he ranked among the elite strikers in aerial duels, showcasing the physical qualities that first attracted Wolves to sign him.

One area that worked against him was his finishing efficiency. His expected goals (xG) numbers suggested he should have scored nearly three more league goals than he actually managed. That gap indicates he was getting into promising positions but failed to convert enough of the chances that came his way.

Even so, Arokodare’s value has not disappeared. His age, physical presence and previous scoring record continue to attract clubs searching for a powerful centre-forward.

The Nigerian also remained involved with the Super Eagles during the season. He featured in several CAF World Cup qualifying matches, taking his international record to 10 senior appearances and two goals as he continued to compete for a regular place in Nigeria’s attack.

Wolves’ first competitive fixture of the new season is an EFL Cup First Round home clash against Port Vale on August 7.