The latest Wolves transfer news as Fabrizio Romano reports a huge update involving an £18 million forward.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are now closing in on the signing of Fluminense winger Jhon Arias, who could become the second major addition this summer.
Wolves have already completed the acquisition of one winger – Fer Lopez from Celta Vigo in a £21 million deal – and now another is expected to arrive through the Molineux doors. Head coach Vitor Pereira was determined to improve his attacking options ahead of the new season and he’s certainly been granted his wish.
Transfer news specialist Fabrizio Romano reports the Old Gold’s swoop for Arias is now at the final stages after some complications earlier this week. “Jhon Arias, set for medical at Wolves in the next days at deal is 100 per cent agreed for €21 million package,” Romano posted on X.
“Fluminese will also have a 10 per cent sell-on clause, deal agreed days ago and now also sealed. Here we go, confirmed,” Romano added, giving the transfer his famous seal of approval.
Wolves to land top target
Now the deal has been fully agreed for €21 million (£18.1m) and the formalities have been arranged, Wolves are expected to land Arias, their top target. The 27-year-old winger recently impressed at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, particularly against Inter Milan as he was awarded an 8.0 rating by FotMob.
In that match, Arias played as a second striker and did brilliantly, creating four chances and registering two shots on target from four attempts. The 29-time Colombia international also showed his capability of defending from the front as he made nine recoveries and one block, while he also won seven of his 14 ground duels.
Arias started his career at local side Patriotas, aged 21 and played for other sides such as Llaneros F.C, América de Cali and Independiente Santa Fe (all in Colombia) before earning a move to Brazil to join Fluminense in 2021. During his time with Fluminense, he has racked up 229 appearances across all competitions, scoring 47 times and contributing 55 assists.
Nelson Semedo future still unclear
In other Wolves news, captain Nelson Semedo is now officially out of contract but his future is still uncertain. Birmingham World understands Wanderers have offered the right-back a generous four-year deal that he’s still yet to turn down or accept.
As it stands, it seems more likely that Semedo will leave than stay as there’s widespread interest across Europe, including from Turkey, Spain and his homeland, Portugal. It’s understood that Semedo has filmed a farewell video on the Molineux pitch in preparation for a potential departure, but nothing is final at this moment.
It would be a significant blow for Wolves if Semedo were to leave as he’s not only a key leader in the dressing room, but also one of the most established right-backs in the Premier League. Recently a UEFA Nations League winner with Portugal for a second time, the 31-year-old is heading towards the end of his prime years and may not have many more opportunities to leave for a bigger club.