Manchester United’s striker search has not gone according to plan, which explains why the club have started keeping tabs on Genk striker Tolu Arokodare.
Liam Delap was the first option, but despite Jason Wilcox’s hard work behind the scenes, the Englishman chose Chelsea over the Red Devils.
Ruben Amorim’s priority was Viktor Gyokeres, his Sporting CP protege, but the Swede seems to have his eyes on a move to Arsenal where he will get Champions League, and only considers United a backup option at best.
Amorim has indicated in the past that he wants players who want to come to Old Trafford, and not those who want to play in only certain competitions.
Tolu Arokodare surprise interest
Victor Osimhen was another target but INEOS cannot afford his wage demands, while there are concerns as to whether Hugo Ekitike can translate his Bundesliga form into the Premier League.
Which is why, the 20-time English league champions have been forced to dip into their B list of targets, which includes the likes of Moise Kean, Randal Kolo Muani and now, Genk’s star striker.
The 24-year-old was on fire last season, netting 23 goals in all competitions. finishing as the league’s top scorer, while also registering seven assists.
In his first season in Belgium, he garnered 15 strikes to his name as well as three assists, which shows his consistency and steady improvement.
His form has also attracted the interest of Real Madrid as well as AC Milan. Whether these two giants are actually in the race or whether these links are being driven by his agent, only time will tell.
But United are certainly not the only ones in the race, with The Sun claiming Fulham have already held talks with the Nigerian’s entourage over a summer move.
Tolu Arokodare has already revealed his dream to play in the English top-flight, and as things stand, the Cottagers seem to be in pole position.
“FULHAM are plotting a summer move for Genk’s star striker Tolu Arokodare as they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of next season.
Fulham in the lead
“His brilliant performances have not gone unnoticed with Manchester United and AC Milan also monitoring the 24-year-old’s progress. Sources close to the player have revealed to SunSport that Arokodare is eager to secure a move to the Premier League.
“Fulham have already held exploratory talks with the striker’s entourage following his recent switch of agency, a move aimed at facilitating a transfer to England.
“The Cottagers boast a growing contingent of Nigerian players, with Arokodare understood to share a strong bond with compatriots Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey.”
It would be a coup for Fulham if they win the race, especially given the links he is generating at resent.
The Old Trafford faithful would have loved a more high-profile name to lead the line next season, so hopefully, once player sales take place, the club can try and acquire a more readymade option like perhaps Ollie Watkins, due to his Premier League experience.
Feature image Gualter Fatia via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
