Genk striker Tolu Arokodare has declared himself a Manchester United fan and that he is keen on a ‘dream’ Premier League move, amid growing transfer speculation.
The 24-year-old had a brilliant season with Genk, finishing top-scorer in the Belgian Pro League with 21 goals in 38 games.
In all competitions he scored 23 times in 43 appearances, a huge improvement from 15 goals in 52 games in the previous campaign.
The 6’6″ centre-forward started his professional career with Latvian side Valmiera and had loan spells in Germany with Koln and in France with Amiens before starring for Genk.
Belgian publication Voetbal Primeur report that there is a lot of interest in him from the Bundesliga, touting Borussia Dortmund, Stuttgart and Bayern Munich as interested parties.
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The Nigeria international has also been linked with Manchester United and Turkish side Besiktas, according to SportsBoom.
Arokodare spoke to SportsBoom about the link with the Red Devils and sounded like he would be extremely interested in a move to Old Trafford.
‘Obviously, it’s a dream to play in the Premier League, but I have my eyes on it for sure,’ he said. ‘Whatever options I have, I’ll take my time and make the best decision.
‘I’m a Manchester United fan, and if it happens, it would mean a lot to me and my family.’
Former Bayern Munich midfielder Thorsten Fink is the manager of Genk and asked about the striker’s future, he told TV Limburg: ‘As long as nothing happens, it’s just rumours.’
Tolu Arokodare at Genk
2024-25
Apps: 43 Goals: 23
2023-24
Apps: 52 Goals: 15
2022-23
Apps: 11 Goals: 2
The Voetbal Primeur report states that Genk are open to selling the Nigerian this summer, but want offers of at least €20m (£17m).
A move to the Premier League would be a huge step up for the striker, who made his international debut this year and was almost starstruck by his teammates.
‘Personally I am not an emotional person. I don’t cry, last time I cried I think it was last year. But I was just overwhelmed by the entire situation I couldn’t believe it,’ he told OJB Sport of his Nigeria debut against Rwanda.
‘At the start of this season, I almost left Genk and look at me now, I am playing for the national team.
‘I am playing with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Lookman, Iwobi, Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, so many top players. Players that I watch on Instagram and I am playing alongside them.
‘And they are telling me nice game, great debut, it means a lot to me.’
