Arsenal is eyeing a move for Wolves striker, Raul Jimenez, according to Le10 Sports.
The Mexican has established himself as one of the best strikers in the Premier League over the past two seasons, and he has continued his fine performances in this campaign.
His goals have been the fuel behind Wolves’ ascent to the European places and above Arsenal this season.
The report claims that the Gunners are seriously considering a move for him should they lose any of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
Both strikers face uncertain futures at the Emirates. Aubameyang is into the final 12 months of his current Arsenal deal and the Gabon striker is yet to put pen to paper on an extension.
Lacazette’s future is also uncertain with Juventus eyeing a move for the former Lyon man, according to the same report.
Arsenal wants to keep hold of both players and Mikel Arteta has always maintained that they are both important to his rebuilding job at the Emirates.
But the Gunners are preparing not to be caught unawares by the decision of either striker.
Memphis Depay, Moussa Dembele, and Allan Saint-Maximin are other players that Arteta’s side is reportedly keeping an eye on.
Given the interest in Jimenez by other clubs, if Wolves sell (and why would they?) they would not sell cheap.
Arsenal would be better chasing Edouard from Celtic, as a younger lower cost option to develop to use or sell on. Arsenal also has Martinelli who can fill the void and spend the income from Aubameyang or Lacazette on upgrading deficiencies in midfield or CB.
Several things for Gunners (and other “big six” clubs) to understand about Wolves’ players:
1. Wolves are in a very good financial position and don’t need to sell to raise funds
2. Wolves are in a European tournament and could realistically qualify again next season- players don’t need to leave to “play in Europe”
3. Wolves are in 6th/7th position for the second straight season- on many levels going to teams lower in the table is a step backwards
4. Wolves maintain a small squad and all of our star players play every week. Most are NOT involved with situations where they have to fight it out for their place in the starting 11. This includes Jimmy, Neves, Traore, etc.
5. Wolves players have a deep belief in their coach and the system. It has been consistently applied and they are very comfortable in the system.
6. Wolves players don’t have big egos, as dictated by the coach. To move to a side that has roomfuls of players with egos would be a major challenge for many of them.
7. Wolves’ business style is to bring in players that are under the radar on loan, play them for a year and if they pass the smell test they are typically signed under long term contracts. Jimmy is an example of this.
I believe that the team will sell players at some point, mostly because they are signing them at very low prices and seeing the valuation skyrocket. It makes business sense. Heck, they could sell Jimmy to the Gunners and build 1/4 of a stadium.
I’m just saying…be prepared to pay a LOT of money and be prepared for Wolves’ position to not change under negotiation.
Could not have put it better, a great player who won’t come cheap and at 29 his salary would be hefty too.
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