Wolverhampton Wanderers were forced to cut short a pre-season training session after striker Tolu Arokodare refused to leave the pitch as he pushed for a move to Fiorentina.
The 25-year-old Nigeria international reportedly staged the protest during Monday’s session, demanding that the Championship club approve a transfer to the Serie A side.
Wolves have turned down Fiorentina’s offer for the forward, although they have accepted a bid from Turkish club Trabzonspor. The incident prompted newly appointed head coach Cesar Peixoto to end the training session early.
Arokodare was subsequently left out of Wolves’ squad for Wednesday’s pre-season friendly against Maidenhead United.
Later that day, the striker released a statement on social media insisting he has always maintained high professional standards throughout his career. He said he remains committed to fulfilling his contractual obligations, continuing to train, and contributing to the team while he is still a Wolves player.
The latest dispute adds to a difficult spell for Arokodare at Molineux. In April, he was disciplined following a confrontation with academy forward Mateus Mane.
Signed from Belgian side Genk for £24 million last summer, Arokodare scored only three Premier League goals during a disappointing campaign that ended with Wolves finishing bottom of the table and suffering relegation.
The episode presents an early challenge for Peixoto, who took charge last month after replacing Rob Edwards. The former Portugal international arrived from Gil Vicente with the objective of leading Wolves back to the Premier League at the first attempt.