Wolves look set for another busy summer, but it seems like one of their targets could now be off the table amid talk of a Premier League move.
The departures of Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri have left a gaping hole within the Wolves squad heading into next season.
Vitor Pereira has looked to rectify this with the £19.5m signing of Fer Lopez, who arrives off the back of a breakout campaign in La Liga.
Wolves, though, still need more attacking reinforcements through the door, and it seems like one of their forward targets could now be out of the question.
Armand Lauriente of US Sassuolo looks on during the Serie B match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Pisa Sporting Club at Mapei Stadium
Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images
Sunderland in talks with former Wolves target Armand Lauriente
In addition to Cunha, fellow attackers Pablo Sarabia and Carlos Forbs have also left the club, with the latter’s departure leaving a sour taste in the mouth.
That is because Wolves actually decided to sign Forbs over another of their targets, Armand Lauriente – a player who is now destined for the Premier League.
Wolves made an offer to sign Lauriente late in the window but decided against further pursuing the deal once Forbs’ transfer had been sealed.
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12 months on from that deal, Lauriente now seemingly looks set to join Premier League rivals Sunderland.
That is according to transfer guru Matteo Moretto, who claims the Black Cats are in talks with the 26-year-old after an impressive season with Sassuolo in Serie B.
Wolves will regret Carlos Forbs decision
With no goals and only one assist, it’s safe to say that Forbs’ Wolves move didn’t go as planned.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and a year on from that deal, Wolves will no doubt be kicking themselves that they didn’t go for Lauriente instead.
Stats 24/25 Apps Goals Assists
Armand Lauriente 34 19 6
Carlos Forbs 17 – 1
Having been compared to Gabriel Martinelli by The Athletic, the Sassuolo star would have certainly provided more of an impact than Forbs.
New sporting director Domenico Teti will be looking to avoid such mistakes this time around.