Not Arokodare: Fulham close in on Nigerian star to link up with Iwobi and Bassey

Nigerian attacker Tolu Arokodare was previously on the books of Fulham, who were vying for his signature earlier in the 2025 summer transfer window…

London club, Fulham FC, have shifted their transfer focus from Genk striker Tolu Arokodare to FC Basel winger Philip Otele, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Reports suggest that the former CFR Cluj could soon join compatriots Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey at Craven Cottage.

According to Give Me Sport, the Cottagers have added the 26-year-old attacker to their shortlist as boss Marco Silva looks to bolster his frontline before the transfer window closes.

Otele, who only sealed a permanent deal with Basel this summer after an impressive loan spell, is understood to be available for under €15 million.

Fulham scouts were in attendance on Tuesday as Otele featured in Basel’s 1-1 Champions League qualifier draw with FC Copenhagen, further fuelling speculation of a potential move.

Soccernet.ng understands that the London side are now weighing up whether to table a formal bid for the Nigerian forward.

Otele’s stock has risen sharply over the past year. After leaving Al Wahda in January, he enjoyed a standout half-season on loan at Basel, scoring nine goals and providing five assists in 21 appearances to help the Swiss giants to a league and cup double.

His performance across the frontline convinced Basel to trigger their option to buy, tying him down until 2028 for around €3 million.

The Nigerian star, who once topped the Romanian Liga I scoring charts, could now be set for a swift step up to the Premier League.