Speculation continues over the future of Jhon Arias, and a new claim has been made about Flamengo’s interest in the Wolves attacker.
Jhon Arias was Wolves’ second signing of the summer, arriving in a deal worth around £19 million from Fluminense.
Arias was a player Vitor Pereira really pushed for, after he’d seen him up close in Brazil.
Jhon Arias was only recently quoted speaking defiantly amid his Wolves struggles
But so far, it’s been a bit of a struggle for the Colombia international, who is yet to score or assist for the Old Gold.
A bedding period was obviously to be expected. But some have been frustrated with Arias’ lack of output in the final third, given he’s someone who scored semi-regularly for Fluminense.
In recent weeks, there’s been talk of an early exit for Arias, with Flamengo one team said to be keen.
And now, amid Rob Edwards coming in as Wolves’ new manager, there has been an update.
Why Flamengo are considering Jhon Arias move
Arias had been billed as the direct replacement for Matheus Cunha, which perhaps hasn’t helped him.
Cunha was one of the most talented players to have worn the Wolves shirt. And so far Arias has seemingly struggled with the weight of that number 10 shirt.
Perhaps things will change now following the club’s change of manager.
But journalist Paulo Brito – who last week claimed Arias was dissatisfied at Wolves – has now provided an update about Flamengo’s interest.
He says that Arias’ name is ‘gaining strength behind the scenes’ at Flamengo, with officials already looking to strengthen ahead of next season.
Arias is near the top of their list of targets, and Flamengo are said to feel that Arias is ‘unlikely to flourish’ in England.
He suggests that the ‘adverse environment’ at Wolves will not help him, and the team is technically limited and facing relegation.
But if Flamengo want to make ann offer, then there is a potential issue for them, with Brito reporting that Fluminense – Arias’ old club – have the right to match that offer.
- READ MORE: How Jhon Arias fared for Colombia vs New Zealand will surely please Rob Edwards back at Wolves
Rob Edwards must get a tune out of Arias
Given the hype around Arias when he signed and the money spent, Wolves could really do with making this signing work.
We have seen it before when Wolves have spent a lot of money on a player only for him to leave on loan in the very next transfer window. There just cannot be any repeats of what happened with Goncalo Guedes.
So Wolves now need Edwards to work some magic with Arias.
The new manager needs to get a tune out of him, because he has certainly underwhelmed so far.
Keep or sell Jhon Arias in January?
That said, he’s not really had a stable position with Vitor Pereira playing him all over the place. So hopefully Edwards can quickly discover the right role for him.
It won’t be good for Wolves if Arias – who is also wanted by Galatasaray – is still struggling by the time the January transfer window rolls around.
Obviously the World Cup is taking place next year, and Arias will not be wanting to risk missing out on the squad. If he’s not playing well for Wolves it is perhaps not out of the question he could seek an early exit.