Atalanta Eye Arokodare as Retegui Replacement

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has emerged as the leading candidate on Atalanta’s shortlist as the Serie A club intensifies its search for a new forward following Mateo Retegui’s big-money move to Saudi Arabia, Sport360NG reports.

Retegui sealed a €65m transfer to Al Qadsiah earlier this summer, leaving a significant gap in Atalanta’s attack. In response, the club has drawn up a list of possible replacements, with Arokodare topping the bill. Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz and Lecce’s Nikola Krstovic are also reportedly under consideration.

According to reports from Football Italia, Arokodare remains Atalanta’s primary target, though negotiations with his current club Genk are expected to be complex. The 24-year-old Nigerian has resumed pre-season duties with the Belgian outfit despite swirling rumours of a possible transfer.

Arokodare, who notched 21 goals last season to help Genk secure a place in the UEFA Europa League, has also attracted interest from Fulham, Burnley, Bayern Munich and AC Milan. Nevertheless, Genk have stated they’ve yet to receive any formal offers.

Club chairman Peter Croonen previously set a benchmark for outgoing deals, citing the €18m fee received from Southampton for Paul Onuachu last year. With Arokodare’s impressive form and rising value, Genk are believed to be holding out for a fee exceeding €20m.

Meanwhile, Atalanta’s activity in the market doesn’t end there. The club is currently negotiating with Inter Milan over a potential sale of Nigeria international Ademola Lookman, with Juventus winger Federico Chiesa being lined up as a possible replacement.