Wolves could be tempted to make a swoop for one in-demand player this summer as Arsenal close in on Dan Bentley.
The summer transfer window has been busy so far at Molineux, as Gary O’Neil and Matt Hobbs have welcomed four new faces.
As well as integrating the arrivals to the squad, Wolves have bid farewell to captain Max Kilman, who joined Julen Lopetegui at West Ham.
While the boss won’t be willing to lose many more of his players ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, there is a good chance that Arsenal will secure Dan Bentley’s signature before deadline day.
Wolves should target Luiz Junior if Dan Bentley joins Arsenal
Arsenal are swarming around Bentley as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster the Gunners’ options between the sticks this summer.
While the North Londoners are looking to add depth to the position, Wolves could be in a similar boat if their second-choice shot-stopper makes the move to the capital.
Arsenal sent a second bid to Wolves to sign Bentley, which the Midlands club are willing to compromise on, according to an update courtesy of journalist Alan Nixon.
If the Old Gold do part ways with Bentley, it will be likely that O’Neil will enter the market for a new ‘keeper, with one name already linked to the Premier League being a talent the boss must explore.
Portuguese outlet O Jogo reported last month that Aston Villa were eyeing Famalicao star Luiz Junior, who is a player that Wolves should consider making a swoop for.
The report put a €12m (£10m) asking price on the Brazilian, who could provide the Old Gold with something far more than a cost-effective number two if his availability was to be explored.
Luiz Junior could be the eventual successor to Jose Sa
After excelling in Liga Portugal over the 2023/24 campaign, Luiz Junior captured the eye of Villa, who are yet to make an approach for the 23-year-old.
Standing at 6 foot 4, the Famalicao ace could not only be Wolves’ replenishment in the goalkeeping position if Bentley leaves, but could challenge or even usurp Jose Sa as number one.
Analyst Ben Mattinson had high praise for the Liga Portugal star, whom he described as being a player capable of being at ‘one of the biggest clubs’ in Europe, calling him a ‘commanding’ and ‘physically dominant’ goalkeeper.
While Sa has been praised for his ability to prevent goals in the Premier League, with only Alisson Becker preventing more since the 2021/22 season, Luiz Junior is even stronger in such area.
As per Sofascore, the Famalicao shot-stopper prevented a monstrous 9.49 goals in 33 appearances last season, with Sa preventing 8.45 for Wolves in the Premier League.
Added to his commanding presence in the box, Luiz Junior also saved three out of the eight penalties he faced last term, telling of his intimidating frame between the sticks.
It would be smart for Wolves to explore the Brazilian’s availability this summer, especially as Bentley’s future remains doubtful and a new ‘keeper will need to be identified ahead of 2024/25.