Lukaku’s Injury Forces Napoli Into Striker Hunt, Arokodare Emerges as Target
Serie A champions Napoli are facing an early-season crisis after Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku was ruled out until November with a thigh injury, prompting the club to step up their search for a new centre-forward.
Lukaku Blow
Lukaku, 32, sustained a high-grade rectus femoris injury during a pre-season friendly against Olympiacos. The setback will sideline him for at least three months, depriving Napoli manager Antonio Conte of a player who was instrumental in their title triumph last season.
Despite scoring 14 goals and providing 10 assists in 36 league appearances, Lukaku insisted on social media that he remained positive.
“Sh*t happens and injuries are part of the game,” he wrote on Instagram. “By the grace of God, I feel good and I’m always positive minded no matter what. See you soon.”
The Belgian’s absence leaves Napoli light in attack ahead of a demanding Serie A and Champions League campaign.
Arokodare on Napoli’s Radar
Attention has quickly turned to possible replacements, with Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare emerging as a leading candidate. The 24-year-old enjoyed a breakout season at Genk in 2024/25, finishing as top scorer in Belgium with 23 goals and seven assists in 45 appearances.
Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Napoli have contacted Arokodare’s camp, with Genk valuing him between €20m and €25m. Napoli sees the Super Eagles forward as a long-term investment capable of adapting to Italian football and adding depth to their Champions League squad.
READ ALSO: Arsenal Beat Spurs to £67.5m Eze Deal After Dramatic Transfer Twist
Other Options Under Consideration
Napoli’s shortlist reportedly also includes Manchester United’s Rasmus Højlund, Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, and free agent Jamie Vardy. However, Arokodare is viewed as the most attainable option, particularly after Genk manager Thorsten Fink admitted the striker is likely to be sold this summer.
“It’s money time for Tolu,” Fink said. “The club simply has to sell.”
Urgent Decisions Ahead
The urgency of the search reflects the blow of losing Lukaku, who was on target during Napoli’s decisive final-day victory against Cagliari that secured the Scudetto ahead of Inter Milan. Conte, keen to maintain momentum in his second season, is pressing for swift reinforcements.
For Arokodare, a move to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona would represent the biggest step yet in his career and a chance to prove himself on one of Europe’s biggest stages. For Napoli, it could be the signing that keeps their season on track in Lukaku’s absence.
