The pieces of Wolves’ transfer plans are beginning to fall into place.
After confirming the signing of Fer Lopez in June, Wolves are finally closing in on their second capture of the summer window.
Late on Wednesday night, Wolves agreed a £19 million transfer for Fluminense’s Jhon Arias, with the 27-year-old winger set to undergo his medical in the coming days.
Arias is seen as a direct replacement for Matheus Cunha and arguably someone who can light up the Premier League after starring at the Club World Cup.
But there is still a long way to go before Vitor Pereira feels satisfied with the club’s investment, and after watching Nelson Semedo’s contract expire, Wolves could have been offered an unexpected opportunity to sign a replacement.
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Besiktas pull out of race to sign Kyle Walker-Peters
Semedo is currently training alone in Portugal as he mulls over a huge decision in his career, with the Old Gold perhaps accepting his departure.
Wolves are pushing to sign Marc Pubill as a replacement for the 31-year-old, but no official bid has been made for the Almeria right-back.
£16 million-rated Pubill isn’t the only player on the club’s radar to fill Semedo’s void, as Wolves have shown an interest in Kyle Walker-Peters after his release from Southampton.
The free agent was also being eyed by Premier League rivals Everton, although despite interest from England’s top flight, it appeared Walker-Peters was destined for a move to Besiktas after a medical was lined up for him.
However, in an unexpected turn of events, Besiktas have announced they’ve pulled out of a deal for the 28-year-old, who remains available for a transfer.
“It is publicly known that the arrival of professional football player Kyle Walker-Peters, with whom we previously announced an agreement in principle and invited him to Istanbul for a medical examination, has been postponed,” a club statement read.
“Today, Kyle Walker-Peters notified us, requesting an extension. Consequently, our club has withdrawn its transfer. Our club continues its transfer efforts in accordance with its established policy. We respectfully inform the public.”
So, instead of splashing the cash on a new wing-back, Wolves could use the free agent market to land Walker-Peters this summer.
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Walker-Peters doesn’t fit the profile of Wolves transfer plans
In terms of Premier League experience, having featured regularly in the competition for over half a decade, Walker-Peters would be a smart pick up.
He also possesses versatility, as demonstrated by his ability to play on both flanks, as well as the pace, agility and defensive nous to become an instant hit at Molineux.
Unfortunately, Wolves historically sign younger players they can develop into stars, such as Pubill, instead of going for the finished article.
In the long term, Pubill is arguably a better option than Walker-Peters and someone Pereira could enjoy working with.
Wolves also don’t rely on the English market to sign players, instead looking abroad for significant value, something Pubill could offer them in the future.