Throughout the summer Wolves were searching for attacking talent to add to their squad before eventually signing Tolu Arokodare.
A move for Christantus Uche looked to be happening but the deal hit roadblocks due to miscommunication and agent interference. The player eventually signed for Crystal Palace instead.
The Old Gold also made a move for Nantes forward Matthis Abline, but their approaches were rebuffed by the French side, and the player remained with the club.
At one point, the player himself rejected a move to Wolves, but Fosun persisted in their pursuit, offering £26 million close to deadline day.
Now, the 22-year-old has lifted the lid for the first time following a summer in which he expected to leave Nantes.
Matthis Abline lifts lid on struggle after failed transfer away from Nantes
Matthis Abline spoke to the French press following Nantes’ recent 2-2 draw against Stade Rennais.
The young forward admitted to the difficulties he faced via Ouest France, as his future looked uncertain throughout the summer.
Abline said, “Of course, it was difficult to manage mentally during this period,” before he later gave credit to his Nantes manager, saying, “The coach took it easy on me to protect me from all that in the first matches.”
Additionally, his Nantes teammate Johann Lepenant admitted the young attacker’s head was turned amid interest from multiple clubs.
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Lepenant said, “Obviously, it weighed on him; he’s human. When you have that many offers, of course you think about it.”
Wolves sent highest offer for Matthis Abline
According to the French outlet, Wolves were the highest bidders as they attempted to secure Abline’s signature, offering €30 million (£26 million).
Other clubs, such as Marseille (£13 million), Sunderland (£17.5 million), and Paris FC (£22 million), all tabled bids, but Nantes remained firm on their £35 million valuation of the player.
Despite the tough summer, Abline says he is ‘gaining momentum’ as he looks to continue on the good form that attracted so much interest in the first place.
For now, he remains a name to watch, whether Wolves decide to try again for him or if he becomes another signing that slipped away from the club.