Rob Edwards already has perfect Jhon Arias replacement as Wolves consider star exit
Wolves’ chances of securing Premier League safety have taken another huge blow ahead of the January transfer window.
Wolves are currently bottom of the table after 16 matches, with the Opta supercomputer predicting that Burnley and West Ham are the likeliest clubs to join them down in the Championship.
Despite a 90th-minute equaliser at Molineux Stadium, Wolves lost 2-1 to Arsenal last time out, leaving them 14 points from safety. Rob Edwards has yet to win with the Old Gold.
With nine goals, no Premier League team has scored fewer, and with 35 goals conceded, Wolves have shipped the most goals in the entire division.
Attack is clearly the problem. Jorgen Strand Larsen has just one Premier League goal, but after joining from Fluminense in a £19million deal, Jhon Arias is by far the most disappointing player so far.
Wolves are ready to cash in on Jhon Arias
The 28-year-old has to register a single goal contribution, and according to talkSPORT (16 December), the club are tempted to cash in on him after just six months.
He was supposed to be Matheus Cunha‘s replacement following the Brazilian’s move to Man United, and while the player wants to stay and fight for his position, Wolves are open to accepting an offer.
Hierarchy figures at Molineux are conscious about potentially playing football in the Championship, and the £19million spent on Arias is now looking like a severe waste of money.
Luckily for the manager, he already appears to have a very talented player at his disposal, one who has come through the academy ranks before making a name for himself against the Gunners.
Mateus Mane could be the best part of Wolves’ season
It was a huge moment for 18-year-old Mateus Mane, who delivered a cross for Tolo Arokodare, and had that been the goal to secure a point, it would still be talked about now.
Mane has already made five first-team appearances this season, and with nine goal contributions in 15 games for the Under-21s, it might be time for Edwards to start relying on the youth players.
He is capable of playing as a centre-forward or an attacking midfielder, which makes him an ideal replacement for the outgoing Arias. And he will be completely free.
It seems like a no-brainer decision, especially if plans are already being made ahead of a drop to the Championship, and Mane could be the best thing to come out of the season if so.