Wolves will have to strike gold to sufficiently replace Matheus Cunha this summer, and that’s just what the Old Gold could do.
Cunha’s transfer to Manchester United was inevitable, but nothing could’ve truly prepared Wolves for losing the Brazilian’s goal threat.
Last season, the 26-year-old scored 15 times in the Premier League, a figure that will need to be made up by other members of the Wolves squad.
Vitor Pereira is working to replenish his squad, with the latest forward to be linked to Wolves being Jhon Arias.
FC Internazionale Milano v Fluminense FC: Round Of 16 - FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Photo by Steph Chambers – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Jhon Arias can be Wolves’ replacement for Matheus Cunha
Wolves are in contact with Fluminense about Arias, who recently returned from starring at the Club World Cup.
The Colombian has yet to play in Europe in his career, which is something the 27-year-old is eager to change soon.
Arias admitted he dreams of playing in Europe amid transfer links to Wolves, which could lead the Old Gold to poaching talent from Fluminense once again.
A graphic to show Jhon Arias' form at Fluminense in 2025.
.
MORE WOLVES STORIES
When looking at Arias’ form over 2025 in all competitions, it’s clear to see why Wolves’ interest is piqued.
Pereira needs to replenish the threat that Cunha offered, not only through his goals but through his playmaking qualities, too.
The numbers prove that Arias can strengthen Wolves in that area if he were to arrive.
Manchester United’s new signing averaged 1.8 key passes and 1.8 successful dribbles per game last term, with Arias maintaining 3.29 key passes and 2.24 successful dribbles per game this year.
Kaka alluded to Arias as a game-changer, lauding the winger’s ‘extremely dangerous’ ways when in the final third.
Fluminense v Al Ahly FC: Semi-Final - FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023
Photo by Yasser Bakhsh – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Why Arias could settle in quickly at Wolves
For players who come from overseas, one of the biggest concerns is the period it takes for them to fully adapt to the demands of the Premier League.
Rodrigo Gomes was shocked by the Premier League, admitting that the competitive action was far beyond the level he became accustomed to in pre-season.
Fortunately, there’s one factor that could help Arias to get comfortable at Wolves, where he’ll join two faces he’s familiar with.
Arias is a teammate of Yerson Mosquera in the Colombian national team and was a former colleague of Andre.
At Fluminense, Wolves’ midfield dynamo made 148 appearances alongside Arias, whom he could now reconnect with in the West Midlands.
With interest in the winger building, fans will hope that Wolves can get a deal over the line.