Wolves are right at the centre of a fast-moving timeline drama involving Jhon Arias, after fresh comments questioned whether any deal with Palmeiras has actually been agreed.
Earlier reports suggested Wolves had already accepted an offer. However, that version has now been challenged, adding a new layer of uncertainty to the situation.
Journalist challenges acceptance claims
Brazilian journalist Mauro Cezar Pereira said Wolves have not accepted Palmeiras’ proposal so far. He argued that much of the information circulating comes from the player’s camp, not from either club.
“I contacted colleagues in England and one of them told me: ‘I was informed that no proposal has been accepted yet,’” Mauro said. He then explained the next step clearly: “Wolverhampton only has to notify Fluminense after they accept an offer.”
He was careful to stress that talks can still progress. “I’m not saying the player won’t be sold,” he added. “I’m saying that, at this moment, the information is that Wolves have not accepted the offer.”
Fluminense explore alternative structure
A further development adds another layer to Fluminense’s thinking. According to UOL, the Rio de Janeiro club still have money to receive from Wolves stemming from the sales of André and Jhon Arias to the Premier League side.
Those outstanding instalments, linked to both transfers, could be used as a form of discount in an attempt to re-sign Arias. That approach would reduce the immediate cash outlay required to match Palmeiras’ offer, valued at around €25m (£21.5m).
The same report adds that this line of thinking is driven by short-term cash management. Fluminense do expect to receive those instalments from Wolves over time. However, the money has not yet entered the club’s balance sheet. Factoring them into a potential Arias deal would ease the upfront financial burden rather than increase immediate spending.
Internally, there is also an understanding that such a structure would depend on Wolves agreeing to offset those amounts. That pushes discussions beyond the headline fee and into payment schedules, adding another layer of complexity to negotiations already constrained by time.
For now, nothing is settled. Palmeiras continue to wait, Fluminense keep exploring alternatives, and Wolves still hold the key step that would formally move the process forward. The timeline keeps shifting, and the drama around Arias’ future remains very much alive.