Napoli Targets Super Eagles Striker to Replace Injured Romelu Lukaku
- Serie A club Napoli are in the market for a new striker after Romelu Lukaku suffered a long-term injury
- The Belgian striker’s injury is expected to keep him out of action for Napoli for about three months
- The Italian champions are in the market for his replacement and have identified a Nigerian striker
Napoli have identified a Super Eagles striker as Romelu Lukaku’s potential replacement after the Belgian forward suffered a long-term injury.
Lukaku was injured during Napoli's final pre-season match against Olympiacos, which they won 2-1, ahead of defending their Italian Serie A crown.
Source: Getty Images
Napoli confirmed in an official statement that the Belgian international striker suffered a high-grade injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his left thigh and will require surgery.
The initial timeline for his recovery is set at three months, and he is not expected to be in action until 2026. The club is considering leaving him out of their squad for the first part of the season.
Napoli targets Arokodare to replace Lukaku
Antonio Conte has told the Napoli hierarchy to look into the market urgently to sign a replacement for the injured striker ahead of the start of the season.
As noted by Fabrizio Romano, the club contacted Manchester United to explore a move for Danish forward Rasmus Hojlund, but he is deemed too expensive.
The Neapolitans have now contacted the representative of Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare to discuss the possibility of a switch to Italy.
KRC Genk reportedly values the Nigerian forward at about €25 million after winning the Belgian league’s top scorer last season with 21 goals, as noted by Transfermarkt.
Nigerians applauded the links, admitting it would be a great move for Arokodare, but he needs concrete negotiation regarding his exit later, after the incident with Victor Osimhen.
Source: Getty Images
@talkingmoses wrote:
“This would be great o! But please, they need to give him assurances and also have clear clauses in the contract, cos after what happened with Osimhen, you can’t really trust those guys!”
@Chuchaa007 wrote:
“After Victor Osimhen’s ill treatment from Napoli, they don't deserve a Nigerian talent. Ademola Lookman is still going through similar issues at Atalanta.”
@ImoPunter wrote:
“Don’t go, brother, make them no do you as them do Osimhen later, abeg o hope you see Wetin Lookman is facing with Atalanta now.”
@just_freaqy wrote:
“Napoli really casting the net wide for a striker. Arokodare could be an interesting pick young, proven scorer in Belgium and way cheaper than some of the other names linked. Let’s see how serious they go on this one.”
Nigerians warn Lookman against joining Napoli
Legit.ng previously reported that Nigerians warned Ademola Lookman not to join Napoli after the club identified him as a potential replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who left to join PSG in January.
Napoli and Galatasaray were still in negotiations for the sale of Victor Osimhen when the Italian champions’ interest in Lookman emerged, which raised concerns from Nigerians on social media.
Source: Legit.ng
