Wolves will want to avoid leaving their summer transfer business until the last minute, as Vitor Pereira plots moves for several of his targets.
The Wanderers kick-started their incomings in June, with Fer Lopez joining permanently from Celta Vigo for £19.5 million.
Lopez is a promising attacking option but won’t replace the void left behind by the departure of Matheus Cunha, and that is why Wolves are swooping for Jhon Arias.
Wolves’ £15m bid for Arias was rejected by Fluminense on Monday, and the Old Gold are preparing a second offer, with Arias dreaming of a transfer to Europe this summer.
Interestingly, the 27-year-old winger isn’t the only Colombian on Pereira’s radar, as Wolves were linked with another at the end of June.
Wolves have less than 48 hours to sign Jhon Lucumi for £24 million
Left centre-back is another position Pereira is targeting this summer. The Portuguese boss wants to provide competition for stalwart Toti Gomes, preferably someone left-footed.
That explains why Wolves rekindled their interest in Jhon Lucumi in June, the Colombian powerhouse who the Wanderers have been following for over a year.
Lucumi currently plays for Serie A side Bologna and was a colossus in the Champions League last term, making seven appearances in the competition.
As the 27-year-old is a strong and progressive ball-playing centre-back, he would naturally suit a move to the Premier League.
But if the Old Gold are serious about signing him, urgency has to be shown, as the £24 million release clause in his contract expires in less than 48 hours, giving potential suitors until July 17 to trigger that transfer fee.
Should no bids be received between now and July 17, the Coppa Italia winners can therefore reject all and every bid they receive for their star defender.
That is according to Football Italia, who state that Premier League newcomers Sunderland are leading the race for his signature.
Why Wolves are unlikely to move for Lucumi
As is often the case at Molineux, Wolves will only splash the cash if a position is in desperate need of improvement.
Most recently, Wolves were put off by Richard Rios’ £26m-£30m asking price. The Brazilian midfielder isn’t seen as a priority since he wouldn’t be guaranteed to start ahead of Andre and Joao Gomes, which is similar to Lucumi.
Although he’s an incredible defender, there are no guarantees he’d start over Toti in central defence. This suggests it’s highly unlikely they’d submit a £24 million bid for him, even though that looks like great value on paper.
Wolves are more focused on signing a replacement for Cunha, notably Arias, as well as an option at right wing-back, as opposed to spending big on a centre-back or central midfielder.