Super Eagles star refuses to emulate Lookman amidst transfer saga

The transfer window has thrown up contrasting fortunes for two Nigerian forwards, with Tolu Arokodare keeping his cool at Racing Genk while Ademola Lookman battles frustration at Atalanta.

Both players are in demand as the transfer window winds down, but their approaches to uncertainty could not be more different.

Racing Genk’s Head of Football, Dimitri de Condé, has made it clear that Tolu Arokodare will only be allowed to leave under the right conditions, insisting the Belgian side will not sacrifice their European ambitions for a quick deal.

Speaking to Het Belang van Limburg, he said: “We’re experiencing an unpredictable transfer window, especially for strikers, and the carousel is slow to get going.

“But we’re sticking to our agreement that we’re open to a top transfer; I still believe there’s a good chance of that. Meanwhile, Tolu is behaving very professionally and is completely at the coach’s disposal.”

The 24-year-old striker has been linked with Napoli following Romelu Lukaku’s injury setback, with Antonio Conte keen to bring in attacking reinforcement.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Napoli have already made contact with Arokodare’s camp, though Genk value him between €20–25 million. For now, he remains central to their Europa League push, having scored 21 goals and provided six assists last season.

While Arokodare continues to lead Genk’s charge, fellow Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman finds himself at odds with Atalanta.

Despite Inter Milan’s interest, their bids fell short of Atalanta’s €50 million valuation, leaving Lookman frustrated and resorting to a two-week strike.

The reigning CAF Player of the Year, who scored 20 goals in 41 games last season, accused the club of broken promises, while former coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s criticism of his penalty miss further strained relations.

With his contract expiring next summer but subject to a one-year extension clause, Atalanta hold the upper hand. Lookman may now be forced to stay another season under new coach Ivan Juric, a situation that starkly contrasts with Arokodare’s patient professionalism.