Ajax are closing in on the signing of Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare from Wolverhampton Wanderers, according to reports from Fabrizio Romano, after reaching a club-to-club agreement on a loan deal with an option to buy worth €22 million. The two clubs are now working on the final details before the move can be completed.
Romano reports that Ajax identified Arokodare as their priority striker target during the summer transfer window, with club sources confirming the Nigeria international was at the top of their shortlist. Negotiations have progressed quickly, leaving only the remaining contractual details before the transfer is finalised.
Under the proposed agreement, Arokodare will join Ajax on loan, with the Dutch club set to cover his full salary for the duration of the deal. The package also includes a loan fee, while the €22 million purchase option is not mandatory, giving Ajax the choice of whether to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
The agreement also contains performance-related bonuses that would see Wolves receive additional payments if Ajax qualify for European competition during Arokodare’s spell in Amsterdam.
The proposed deal represents a significant step forward after Ajax’s interest in the 25-year-old emerged in recent days. Reports had indicated that the Dutch club were monitoring Arokodare’s situation as they searched for a new attacking option ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, with the striker’s future at Wolves increasingly uncertain.
🚨🔴⚪️ EXCL: Ajax are closing in on deal to sign Tolu Arokodare as new striker from Wolves!
Club to club agreement done on loan with buy option for package slightly over €20m.
Ajax wanted Tolu as priority, club sources confirk — now working on final details. pic.twitter.com/4CuCjlohO0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 27, 2026
Arokodare joined Wolves from Belgian side Genk in 2025 but endured a difficult first season in England. He made 33 Premier League appearances and scored three goals as Wolves were relegated, leading to growing speculation that he would leave the club during the current transfer window.
The Nigerian had attracted interest from several clubs this summer. Fiorentina submitted multiple offers, including a loan proposal with a €22 million buy clause, while Trabzonspor also made an approach. However, talks with Ajax have now moved ahead of those previous negotiations, with the Amsterdam club appearing set to win the race for his signature.
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Arokodare’s relationship with Wolves has been under the spotlight in recent weeks amid uncertainty over his future.
Reports linked him with a training-ground dispute and a potential departure from the Championship club, although the striker publicly rejected claims questioning his professionalism and reiterated his commitment while discussions over his future continued.
If the remaining details are finalized, Ajax will secure the striker they have prioritised throughout the transfer window on an initial loan deal, with the option to complete a permanent transfer next year.
The move would bring an end to Arokodare’s brief spell at Wolves and hand the Super Eagles forward the opportunity to relaunch his career in the Eredivisie.
