Flamengo make first move for Jhon Arias but Wolves stand firm

The situation surrounding Jhon Arias continues to evolve — or at least appear to — depending on which side of the world is doing the reporting. Wolves remain firm that the winger will not depart in January, yet Brazilian outlets continue to add fresh details suggesting Flamengo have not given up hope of landing him.

According to Paparazzo Rubro-Negro, a source linked to Flamengo’s board claims the club have now moved a step further by making direct contact and presenting their sporting project to the Colombian. Arias has not replied, but internal optimism reportedly exists. Despite that, the same report stresses that negotiations have not opened and nothing has advanced beyond this initial approach.

The framing contrasts sharply with recent reporting from more established outlets such as ESPN, UOL and Colombian journalist Julián Capera. Their consensus is straightforward: Wolves do not intend to negotiate the winger’s departure midway through the season. With the club currently bottom of the Premier League, the stance internally is that Arias must stay and contribute during what is shaping up to be a tough survival battle.

Flamengo’s interest is described as “real,” yet the club’s usual recruitment preference complicates the story. They typically prioritise domestic talent, and signing a foreign player — particularly one contracted to a Premier League club unwilling to sell — would be an exception. Part of the rationale appears linked to internal planning concerning a possible reduction in the limit of foreign players allowed in Brazil’s top division next season.

Brazilian speculation continues largely because Arias has struggled to find form since joining Wolves. Without goals or assists in his first seventeen appearances, he has found adaptation difficult in England’s most physically demanding league. Those difficulties naturally fuel Brazilian optimism that a return to South America could materialise.

From Wolves' perspective, nothing suggests a shift. Arias is contracted, valued, and expected to stay. Any January departure — especially for a club battling relegation — remains improbable unless something dramatic changes.

Having followed Wolves throughout the season, the recurring interest from Brazil is unsurprising. When a player arrives from South America and struggles to adapt, speculation quickly resurfaces — particularly when a club like Flamengo is involved. But although some supporters might fear Arias forcing a move, it’s worth questioning whether this is simply routine transfer noise rather than evidence of a genuine negotiation.

In our view, Wolves’ insistence on keeping him is logical. January is notoriously difficult for recruitment, and losing a wide player with pace, intelligence and upside would add unnecessary risk to a squad already under pressure. Arias’ underlying metrics — including chance creation and involvement in build-up — have been stronger than his raw output suggests, and Wolves’ staff remain convinced he will adapt with time.

This Brazilian reporting therefore feels less like movement and more like positioning — an attempt to test Wolves’ resolve and maintain public pressure without any meaningful breakthrough.

Wolves continue preparing for a crucial run of fixtures with Arias expected to remain part of the squad. Flamengo’s interest may persist quietly in the background, but unless the Premier League club signals a willingness to talk, the situation is unlikely to progress before summer.

👉 Wolves fans — should the club hold firm and give Arias more time, or would a January exit suit everyone?