Real Madrid are set to rival Manchester United for Tolu Arokodare after Xabi Alonso’s request for a new striker, according to a report.
Arokodare, 24, enjoyed a superb campaign for Genk last season, scoring 23 goals and providing seven assists in all competitions as he helped propel his side to the Belgian league title.
Standing 6’6″, the Nigerian striker is an imposing figure for defences to contend with. He combines his size and strength with effective link-up play and surprising speed, while retaining a thunderous finish off either foot.
United are on the hunt for a new number nine to bolster Ruben Amorim’s misfiring forward line after the club’s worst season in the Premier League era.
But the primary targets – Liam Delap, Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko – have already been snapped up by rivals or are proving too expensive to strike a deal for.
This has led the Red Devils to consider alternative options with Arokodare believed to be available for around £20 million this summer.
However, Madrid have now entered the fray with their recruitment team having “taken a shine” to the 24-year-old striker, according to a report from Spain (relayed by TEAMtalk).
New head coach Alonso, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen to replace Carlo Ancelotti with Erik ten Hag replacing the Spaniard in Germany, is on the hunt for a new striker to provide a back-up to Kylian Mbappe.
The report reveals Alonso is “looking for a marksman who can play the Joselu role – come off the bench in the second half and be able to operate in and around the opposition’s penalty box.”
Los Blancos’ scouts have produced “positive reports” after watching Arokodare and believe he can fulfil this supporting role at the Bernabeu.
AC Milan are also reported to be interested in Arokodare with a queue quickly forming to secure his signature this summer.
This means United will need to move quickly and decisively to trump their European rivals with the Red Devils holding a unique advantage in the race as the Nigeria international is a boyhood fan of the club who “dreams” of playing in England.
Featured image Lars Baron via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
