Atalanta, a prominent club in Italy’s Serie A, is actively seeking a new striker to fill the void left by Mateo Retegui’s departure to a Saudi Arabian club. Retegui’s transfer, deemed a “record exit,” yielded a substantial profit for Atalanta, nearly tripling their initial investment. This financial boost has empowered the club to explore various options in the transfer market, with Nigerian international Tolu Arokodare emerging as a strong contender. The 23-year-old forward currently plays for Genk in the Belgian Pro League, where he showcased his prolific goalscoring abilities, finishing as the league’s top scorer in the 2024/25 season.
Arokodare’s impressive performance, coupled with his physical attributes and clinical finishing, has placed him firmly on Atalanta’s radar. His estimated market value of €20 million aligns with Atalanta’s budget, making him a financially viable target. While other potential candidates like Giacomo Raspadori of Napoli and Nikola Krstovic of Lecce are also under consideration, Arokodare is considered a “concrete option” due to his proven goal-scoring record and experience in European football. His 21 goals for Genk, achieved across both the regular season and playoffs, played a crucial role in securing a UEFA Europa League spot for his team, further solidifying his credentials as a valuable asset.
Atalanta’s interest in Arokodare stems from their need for a striker who possesses both immediate impact potential and long-term development prospects. The club already boasts Gianluca Scamacca in their attacking ranks, and with El Bilal Touré returning from loan, the addition of Arokodare would provide valuable depth and competition. Furthermore, Arokodare’s potential involvement in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria, alongside teammate Ademola Lookman (who is currently seeking a transfer), highlights his growing stature in international football, a factor that Atalanta clearly values. This approach of strategically acquiring players poised for international recognition aligns with Atalanta’s long-term vision.
While Arokodare may not possess the same level of name recognition as some of Atalanta’s other targets, his profile is deemed worthy of serious consideration. His imposing height of 197 centimeters makes him an aerial threat, offering a different dimension to Atalanta’s attack. Furthermore, his successful stint in the Belgian Pro League, a competition recognized for its tactical sophistication and organization, suggests he possesses the necessary skills to adapt to Serie A. These attributes, combined with his natural goalscoring instinct, make him an attractive prospect for Atalanta, who are known for their ability to nurture and develop promising talents.
Atalanta’s long-standing emphasis on scouting throughout Europe positions them favorably in the pursuit of Arokodare. Their established network and meticulous scouting process have enabled them to identify and acquire talented players who might otherwise go unnoticed by larger clubs. This proactive approach to talent acquisition, focusing on both current performance and future potential, has become a hallmark of Atalanta’s transfer strategy. They recognize Arokodare’s potential to become a key player for both club and country and believe that their supportive environment and tactical approach can maximize his development.
In conclusion, Tolu Arokodare represents a compelling option for Atalanta as they seek to reinforce their attacking line. His prolific goal-scoring record, physical presence, and experience in European football make him a suitable candidate to fill the void left by Retegui. While other players remain on their radar, Arokodare’s profile, combined with his reasonable transfer fee, makes him a viable and attractive target. Atalanta’s scouting network, known for its thoroughness and attention to detail, has identified Arokodare as a player who aligns with their philosophy of acquiring and developing young talent. His potential involvement in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations further underscores his rising status and adds to his appeal. As Atalanta evaluate their options, Arokodare stands out as a player who could make a significant contribution to the club’s future success.
