Wolves agree deal for Colombian winger
Wolves are closing in on the signing of Colombian international winger Jhon Arias, the Express & Star understands.
The 27-year-old is set to make his move from Brazilian side Fluminense after Wolves agreed a £15million deal.
The transfer is still not finalised, but it is in the closing stages after Wolves agreed the fee, following talks with Fluminense in recent weeks.
Arias, who impressed at the Club World Cup as Fluminense exited in the semi-finals to eventual winners Chelsea, bolsters Vitor Pereira's attacking options and comes in as a senior addition in the forward areas following Matheus Cunha's departure to Manchester United.
The winger will become Wolves' second signing of the summer after the £19.5million addition of Spaniard Fer Lopez from Celta Vigo.
The Brazilian league is currently ongoing and Arias has scored four and assisted 13 in 34 games.
Last year the attacker got 15 goals and eight assists in 53 matches across several competitions.
He has not yet played in Europe but brings significant experience to Wolves' attack, in an area they desperately needed to make additions. Arias can also play across the front line.
Speaking after that defeat to Chelsea, Arias admitted he was eager to play in Europe in his career.
“I think everyone knows I’m very transparent and sincere, and like all players, I dream of playing in Europe and reaching the top flight,” he said.
“But until my last day at Fluminense, I’ll fight and respect the club and the fans. Regarding proposals, that’s up to the management and the president. You never know; the future is open. I’m still here at Fluminense, I have a long-term contract, and I’m happy at the club.”
Meanwhile, Wolves are reluctant to lose Andre this summer and consider the midfielder not for sale.
Italian giants Juventus are interested in the Brazilian, but Wolves are not entertaining his departure and it would take a considerable fee for that stance to change.
Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri have both made big money moves this summer and Wolves do not want to sell any more star players, as they now focus on bolstering Pereira's squad.
Wolves signed Andre from Fluminense in a £21million move at the end of the summer transfer window last year.
After initially taking some time to settle, the tough tackling midfielder impressed under Pereira and struck up an impressive partnership with fellow Brazilian Joao Gomes in the middle of the park.
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