After being constantly linked to Brazilian clubs, Wolves attacking midfielder Jhon Arias just got his first Turkish football speculation in a while.

As covered by AS in Colombia, the 29-year-old has become a target for Galatasaray. An initial offer is expected in the coming days.

The player’s name has already been linked to the Galata giants on three occasions. The team continues to closely monitor the Colombian’s performances for the English side. 

Smart business from Turkey

Manager Okan Buruk reportedly has been watching Arias since his time at Fluminense in the 2023 Copa Libertadores. He has always admired the player’s profile and understands that the midfielder’s situation in England is not ideal. 

The Turkish coach prioritises versatile players for the Champions League. Therefore, he has asked the club to consider making an offer for the player in the next transfer window.

In addition to keeping the player in Europe and competing in the Champions League, the Turkish team has strong financial backing. That could put them ahead of Brazilian teams.

Istanbul’s management is considering direct contact with the player’s staff in the coming weeks. The goal is to finalise an agreement before the end of December. 

Local sources indicate that Galatasaray is matching Brazilian offers thanks to its larger budget. The transaction would involve payment to Wolverhampton in instalments.

A chance of redemption

AS adds new layers to the conversation, noting that Arias’ profile fits the playing style of the new Wolves manager, Rob Edwards. “He likes players with a strong work ethic and good physical presence to win back possession quickly”, says the report. 

The story claims the two will meet after the international break and begin working with him to determine the Colombian’s future. It also says that Arias’ leaving in winter would be a “disgrace” for Wolves, given that he arrived as the most important signing of the six brought in for this season and would be leaving in less than six months.

They note that “the two people who brought him from Fluminense are no longer at the club, so he’ll start from scratch”. It’s a situation that could make the player’s life even harder in England.

We’ll see who blinks first. But Jhon Arias will surely be one of the stories to watch in the next transfer window.