Palmeiras advanced in talks to sign attacking midfielder Jhon Arias, currently at Wolverhampton Wanderers, from Inglaterra. Negotiations are ongoing and the Alviverde club intends to intensify contacts in the coming days. The 28-year-old Colombian, who stood out in the Fluminense between 2021 and 2025, is experiencing a moment of instability in English football and seeks greater protagonism with a view to Copa of the Mundo in 2026.
The Palmeiras board of directors sees the delicate situation of Wolverhampton as a strategic opportunity. The English team is at the bottom of the Premier League, with just seven points in 21 rounds, recording 16 defeats, four draws and one victory. Arias arrived at the club in July 2025, after a transfer from Fluminense for around 22 million euros, but faces collective difficulties in the new environment.
⚠️ NOW!
— Planeta from Futebol 🌎 (@futebol_info)January 9, 2026
In addition to Thiago Almada, Palmeiras negotiates the hiring of Jhon Arias.
Verdão tries to seduce the Colombian attacking midfielder using the situation of Wolverhampton as a trump card, a serious candidate to fall to the 2nd division in Inglaterra.
🗞️@geglobo | @camilac_alves
📸 Atlético of…pic.twitter.com/v9nRa7BMba
Progress in negotiations and trump card used
Talks between Palmeiras, representatives of Arias and Wolverhampton are in the initial phase. Verdão plans to present proposals that consider values, payment methods and the player’s wishes. The English club’s sporting crisis serves as the main argument to facilitate the attacking midfielder’s early departure.
Palmeiras had already tried to sign Arias at the beginning of 2025, when the Colombian was still defending Fluminense. At the time, the negotiation did not progress and the player went to Europa. Agora, the club is betting on the possibility of repatriating the athlete to reinforce the squad with a view to national and continental competitions in 2026.
Recent performance of Arias on Wolverhampton
Arias played 22 games for Wolverhampton this season, 15 as a starter. The Colombian scored his first official goal for the club on January 3, 2026, in the 3-0 victory over West Ham, at Molineux Stadium. Ele opened the scoring in the fourth minute, after an assist from Hwang Hee-chan, and contributed to the end of the team’s long winless streak.
Despite the isolated goal, Wolverhampton’s collective performance remains below expectations. Arias maintained a regular presence on the field and showed tactical adaptation, playing as an interior midfielder or on the wing. The player received praise from coach Rob Edwards for his intensity and defensive commitment in recent moments.
Participation in the Colombian national team motivates the player
Arias is an important piece in the selection of Colômbia under the command of Néstor Lorenzo. The attacking midfielder frequently participates in the Eliminatórias Sul-Americanas and seeks to maintain a high pace to arrive prepared for the Copa of the Mundo in 2026. The possible transfer to the Palmeiras can guarantee greater regularity and exposure in high-level competitions.
The Colombian expressed in recent interviews his desire to play a leading role. A return to Brazilian football would meet this expectation, allowing participation in Libertadores and other relevant disputes. Palmeiras sees the athlete’s versatility to play in various offensive positions.
Winning history in Fluminense attracts Verdão
Arias built a successful trajectory on Fluminense, with titles such as 2023’s Libertadores, Recopa Sul-Americana and Campeonatos Cariocas. Ele became an idol at the Rio club and accumulated significant contributions in goals and assists. Palmeiras has been following the player for years and considers his arrival a reinforcement of technical impact and experience.
The Alviverde board is working on ambitious reinforcements for the season. Arias emerges as a priority in the creative sector, capable of raising the quality of the cast. The club is evaluating the financial aspects of the operation, including a possible value close to 30 million euros, according to market rumors.
Negotiation obstacles and perspectives
The deal depends on an agreement between Palmeiras, Wolverhampton and Arias himself. The English club signals openness to attractive proposals, but the player’s contract runs until June 2029, with an option for extension. The Colombian’s will will be a decisive factor, especially considering the interests of other Brazilian teams.
Palmeiras demonstrates determination to move forward. The negotiation reflects a strategy to assemble a competitive squad in 2026. The parties maintain frequent contact and monitor the evolution of conversations in the coming days.
