The special trait Jhon Arias shares with Ruben Neves proves Wolves could strike gold

Wolves’ latest transfer saga involves Fluminense attacker Jhon Arias after the club accelerated their interest in the Colombian.

It emerged last week that Wolves were interested in Jhon Arias after his standout Club World Cup campaign, catching the eye during Fluminense’s semi-final defeat to Chelsea.

As the Old Gold entered the race for his signature, Arias outlined his dream of playing in Europe, handing Vitor Pereira the proverbial green light to sign him.

Molineux News then revealed on Monday that Wolves had agreed a £15m transfer for Arias, giving supporters a sense of excitement.

But they were instantly sent crashing down to earth after Fluminense rejected Wolves’ first bid for Arias, and now, the Old Gold are preparing a second offer for the 27-year-old who shares a unique trait with Ruben Neves.

• READ MORE: Wolves eye ‘remarkable’ £10m Premier League winger as potential Matheus Cunha replacement

Jhon Arias will improve Wolves threat from set-pieces

Although supporters will worry about Fluminense performing a U-turn in negotiations, it feels only a matter of time before the Colombian becomes a Wolves player.

Wolves captured Andre for £21 million from the Brazilian club last summer, and perhaps a similar fee would be enough for them to accept.

Should Fluminense grant his wish of playing in the Premier League, Arias will bring quality with him from set-pieces, something the Old Gold boasted when Ruben Neves was at the club.

Neves was known for his dangerous deliveries from a dead ball, and Arias also has a knack for bending the ball with precision from free kicks.

He frequently creates opportunities for his teammates from set-piece situations, and during the Club World Cup, Arias created the most chances of any player, even bettering Neves and former winger Pedro Neto.

That reinforces why Wolves must sign the Colombian, who would replace the dead-ball threat left behind by Matheus Cunha and Pablo Sarabia following their departures.

• READ MORE: Matheus Cunha and Pablo Sarabia have presented Vitor Pereira with a new headache at Wolves

Where Wolves ranked in the Premier League for set-piece goals in 2024/25

Cunha and Sarabia boasted quality from set-pieces, though their wicked deliveries weren’t often turned home by their teammates.

Wolves ranked 14th in the Premier League for goals scored from dead ball situations (9), something they will aim to improve on next season, especially if Arias joins the ranks.

Surprisingly, Manchester City ranked lower than Wolves for this metric, only scoring three goals from set-pieces, along with West Ham.

Arias becoming their chief set-piece taker could completely change the fortunes of Pereira’s side, though, with his wand of a left foot wreaking havoc.