Speculation has started to pick up about Jhon Arias – and now there is word of interest in the Wolves attacker from Palmeiras.
Jhon Arias was one of Wolves’ six new signings in the summer, arriving in a £19 million deal from Fluminense.
Hopes were high over the Colombian, who had been a standout performer for many years over in Brazil.
But he has found the going tough so far at Wolves, and has yet to score or assist.
He was seen as a potential direct replacement for Matheus Cunha, with Arias even taking his old number 10 shirt. But so far, he has been nowhere near the Brazilian’s level.
As a result of his struggles, there has recently been talk of an early exit for Arias, who is reportedly dissatisfied at Wolves at the moment.
And now a publication in Brazil brings word about Palmeiras’ interest in the player.
Palmeiras think Jhon Arias is a concrete possibility in January
Arias was likely always going to take a bit of time to find his feet at Wolves.
The Premier League is a big step up from the Brazilian top-flight, and Wolves fans saw how it took midfielder Andre – who also came to Molineux from Fluminense – several months to start showing his best level.
But there is no denying Arias has had an underwhelming start.
And publications in Brazil have now started reporting on his situation and it seems there could be a chance of him departing in the next window.
According to Bolavip, Arias is the subject of interest from Palmeiras, who currently lead the Campeonato on goal difference with six games left to play.
They state that even before Arias moved to Wolves he had interest in a potential move to Palmeiras.
It is suggested Palmeiras think there is a concrete possibility of actually signing Arias in January, and that everything will depend on the striker’s willingness to return. Palmeiras officials are said to be waiting to get the green light from his agents to open negotiations.
Arias could be another Goncalo Guedes for Wolves
Arias spoke defiantly about his struggles at Wolves recently, so these reports about him do come as a slight surprise.
It remains to be seen if a deal will happen in the next window. But if it did, then it would be a dreadful reflection on Fosun, Domenico Teti and especially Vitor Pereira, who made a big effort to sign Arias having already seen him up close in Brazil.
We have seen a similar situation before at Wolves.
Jhon Arias was only recently quoted speaking defiantly amid his Wolves struggles
In the summer of 2022, Wolves signed Goncalo Guedes for £27.5 million from Valencia, only for him to leave the club on loan to Benfica just months later.
But Rob Edwards has just arrived as the new manager. So perhaps he will be able to get a tune out of Arias and prevent any mid-season exit for the 28-year-old.