Palmeiras clear to sign Arias after Fluminense fail to match €25m bid | OneFootball

Palmeiras have a clear run at signing Jhon Arias after Fluminense failed to match a €25m offer to Wolverhampton, according to Globo.com.

Fluminense had until Wednesday night to top that bid but instead lodged €20m, which the English club promptly rejected. Priority in any deal applied only if their proposal exceeded a rival offer.

With Fluminense at their financial limit, Palmeiras will now look to agree terms with Arias and his representative to finalise the move.

Arias had reservations about returning to Brazil, but Leila Pereira has presented Palmeiras’ project and those close to the player see him as more inclined to accept. The situation at Wolverhampton, very close to relegation to the second division in England, is also a factor.

The 28-year-old attacking midfielder is a key player for Colombia and wants to be in good condition for this year’s World Cup.

Palmeiras are seeking high-profile additions after the departures of Weverton, Micael, Aníbal Moreno, Facundo Torres and Raphael Veiga, with only Marlon Freitas signed so far. The club have until 3 March to register new players, and targets also include Nino at Zenit and Botafogo’s Danilo.

Source: Globo.com