The agent of Fluminense ace Jhon Arias has confirmed the ‘interest of several Premier League teams’ amid claims that Crystal Palace, West Ham and Wolves the forward.
Andre Trindade is not the only member of Fluminense’s Copa Libertadores squad who could be on his way to England in the winter.
Andre is a target for Liverpool, La Flu president Mario Bittencourt admitting that he has already been in contact with the Merseyside giants. West Ham and co may soon be asking Liverpool for Bittencourt’s number, TEAMtalk reporting that Andre’s highly-rated team-mate Jhon Arias is also a man in demand ahead of the January window.
In addition to the Hammers, Crystal Palace, Burnley and Wolves are keeping tabs on the Colombia international. Ditto Leicester City and Leeds United, two Championship clubs who could soon be making a quick return to England’s top-flight.
West Ham, Wolves and Leeds in Jhon Arias race
Speaking to Gol Caracol before Fluminense defeated Boca Juniors in a frantic Copa Libertadores final, Arias’ agent confirmed that a number of Premier League clubs have made their interest known, even if he stopped short of naming those suitors.
“Jhon is a focused, committed and calm player. In addition, he has the support of my partner Gianfranco, who has been a great support for him in Brazil. Together, we closely follow the relevant aspects of his career,” Alex Viveros explains.
“Arias is one of the best players in Brazilian football. (A league) considered one of the most difficult championships in the world. Therefore, it is not surprising that he has aroused the interest of several Premier League teams.
“Jhon’s future will depend on the opportunities and needs of clubs abroad.”
Arias, who can play on either wing, has nine goals and 13 assists to his name this season. The 26-year-old, an excellent ball-carrier who’s all-action approach has South American expert Tim Vickery nicknaming him ‘Mr Perpetual Motion’, would add further quality to an impressive West Ham frontline, perhaps allowing Jarrod Bowen to move central and establish himself as David Moyes’ first-choice number nine.
‘The best player in the Fluminense side’
“He’s a winger, he’s a midfielder, he’s Mr Perpetual Motion,” Vickery tells talkSPORT (1 November, 3pm).
“(Arias is) dynamic, he can work all over the field and he’s very, very versatile. For me, he’s probably been the best player in the Fluminense side.”
Reports suggest Arias is valued at £17 million.
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