Juventus are reportedly lining up a move for Wolves striker Raul Jimenez. The Mexican has been in spectacular form for the Premier League side since signing for them in the 2018 summer transfer window.
As per Tuttosport, the Italian giants are interested in the former Benfica forward, but Wolves will only let him go for a fee of around €60 million.
The report further states that Juventus could add a few players in exchange, Defender Daniele Rugani, and attacker Federico Bernardeschi could move the other way should Wolves agree on a deal.
Jimenez signed a permanent deal with Wolves ahead of the 2019 season, after the Premier League side paid €38 million for him – the highest transfer fee that they have ever paid for a player. His current deal with the club expires in 2023.
Selling Raul Jimenez – Should Wolves agree on a deal?
Raul Jimenez played a big role in Wolves’ success in the Premier League last season, and has done again this season too, scoring 27 goals and 14 assists in 68 games. The Mexican has a good goal-scoring record in all competitions, racking up 40 goals in 89 games for Wolves.
The 29-year-old has made a big impression not just with his goal-scoring, but his hold-up play as well as his pace and strength in attack.
He has settled into the physical nature of the Premier League really well, and has excelled in Wolves’ counter-attacking style of play. There has been a lot of interest from some big clubs in Europe for his signature.
If Wolves get a fee of around €60 million, they should allow Jimenez to leave, despite his recent exploits for the club. The Mexican has spoken positively about the clubs that he has been linked with, which has shown his willingness to leave Wolves if a bigger club came in to sign him.
Wolves wouldn’t want a disgruntled player in their squad, and hence they should cash-in on him when there’s interest. The speculated fee is also a big one for someone who recently turned 29.
Wolves could use the money to get a replacement, as well as strengthen other positions in their squad. It remains to be seen who exactly they will get for Jimenez, but if they do end up with Bernardeschi and Rugani, it would not be a bad deal for the club as the two are younger players and have done relatively well in the Serie A this season.
Should Raul Jimenez depart, Wolves will need to replace goals in their side, so perhaps they are better off targeting a striker with the money more than agreeing on a swap deal.