Wolves accept Palmeiras offer for Arias as Brazil return nears

Wolves have accepted an offer from Palmeiras for winger Jhon Arias despite the January transfer window having already closed, with negotiations now expected to accelerate as the player discusses a return to Brazil.

According to reports from South America, Wolverhampton Wanderers have given the green light to Palmeiras’ proposal after Arias indicated he was open to the move, clearing the way for talks to progress rapidly.

Brazilian outlet UOL report that Palmeiras submitted a formal offer to Wolves earlier this week, following direct signals from Arias that he would consider returning to Brazil. The Premier League club have now accepted that proposal, even though the English transfer window shut on Monday.

The timing is not believed to be an obstacle. Wolves are understood to be operating within regulations that allow the deal to be completed, with Palmeiras keen to finalise personal terms as quickly as possible.

Palmeiras are also moving decisively to beat competition from Fluminense, who have maintained a long-standing interest in the Colombian international.

Arias has been on Palmeiras’ radar since last year. Club president Leila Pereira had previously explored a move while he was still at Fluminense, contacting then-president Mário Bittencourt directly. At the time, she was informed that Arias would only represent Fluminense domestically.

That stance changed months later when Arias completed a €17 million move to Wolves. Now, just a short time into his Premier League spell, the winger could be set for a swift return to Brazilian football after all.

While UOL did not specify the exact figures involved, additional reports from Brazil and Colombia have provided further clarity. GE Globo state that Palmeiras’ offer is worth around R$154 million, approximately €25 million.

Those reports add that discussions between Wolves and Palmeiras have intensified in recent days, alongside parallel talks with Arias’ representatives. Wolves had already signalled a willingness to negotiate, pending the player’s stance, which now appears clear.

With the bid accepted, momentum is expected to build quickly around the final stages of the deal.

Attention now shifts to finalising personal terms between Arias and Palmeiras. If an agreement is reached swiftly, the winger’s exit from Wolves could be completed in short order, despite the closed English window. Wolves, meanwhile, will assess squad implications as they prepare for the remainder of the season without the Colombian.

Is allowing Arias to leave so soon the right decision for Wolves, or should the club have held firm until the summer window?