Napoli’s plans for the new Serie A season have taken a hit after Romelu Lukaku picked up a serious muscle injury in a pre season friendly.
The Belgian forward will miss the opening weeks of the campaign leaving manager Antonio Conte short of attacking power.
The Italian champions are now racing to sign a new striker before the transfer window shuts in two weeks.
With Victor Osimhen gone to Galatasaray and Giacomo Raspadori moving to Atletico Madrid the club’s only fit centre forward is Lorenzo Lucca who recently joined from Udinese.
Arokodare Becomes Napoli’s Main Target
According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano Napoli made contact on Tuesday with the representatives of Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare who plays for KRC Genk in Belgium.
The 24 year old enjoyed a breakthrough season last year scoring 21 goals and adding six assists in 40 games.
Standing at 6 foot 6 Arokodare is known for his strength in the air and his ability to hold up play making him a natural fit for Conte’s system. His style of play is also close to Lukaku’s giving Napoli a like for like option up front.
Genk value the striker at around 20 to 25 million euros a price that looks within reach for Napoli compared to more expensive options on the market.
Reports also show that English and German clubs have asked about him but Napoli’s quick move could give them the edge.
🚨🔵 Napoli keep moving for new striker after Romelu Lukaku injury and today made contact with Tolu Arokodare’s camp.
He’s valued at €20/25m by Genk after being top scorer last season in Belgium.
Follows moves for Højlund on Monday as Napoli are exploring the strikers market. pic.twitter.com/V2OoEy91C7
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 19, 2025
Other Names Also on Napoli’s List
Before turning to Arokodare Napoli also made an approach for Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund but the Premier League club are unwilling to let him go.
Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic and Crystal Palace forward Jean Philippe Mateta are also on the scouting list though both would cost more than Arokodare.
Conte has made it clear that he wants at least one proven goal scorer before the season begins. Napoli fans are also pushing for a signing after seeing their squad lose two key attackers in the summer transfer window.
For Arokodare the Napoli interest could be career changing. He made his first appearance for Nigeria’s senior team earlier this year and a move to Italy would put him on a bigger stage.
Playing under Conte at a club that just won the league could also give him a chance to grow into one of Europe’s top strikers.
