According to a recent report by Spanish news outlet AS English, Arsenal are said to be eyeing up a summer swoop for the services of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Mexican international striker Raul Jimenez. It has been claimed that the Gunners could end up losing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Spanish giants Barcelona at the end of the season, especially considering that the Gabonese striker’s contract at the Emirates is set to expire at the end of the current season.
The report suggests that the Gunners have identified the dangerous Mexican international as the ideal replacement for Aubameyang and that they will make a move in the summer considering that they’re unable to tie the Gabonese skipper down on an extended deal. With Barcelona said to be keen on his signature though, it does seem likely that the forward will choose to make the switch to one of the biggest clubs in European football at the moment.
What Does Raul Jimenez Add To This Wolves Team?
The prolific striker was acquired by Nuno Espírito Santo from Portuguese outfit Benfica, where he had created quite the reputation for himself. After scoring 31 times in a little over a 100 appearances for Benfica, and a loan spell at the Molineux, the attacker was finally signed on a permanent basis just this past summer.
Since making the move though, he’s gone on to become a real favourite within the Molineux faithful, owing largely to his contributions to this side.
The forward is an extremely intelligent footballer, and that’s quite clear to see every time he steps out onto the pitch. The 28-year-old tends to time his runs exceptionally well and is smart enough to pick out the weak link in a defence-line quite early in a game. Despite being quick and strong, the Mexican also can showcase tricky feet in the box and is arguably one of the deadliest finishers in the entire Premier League.
Why Wolves Cannot Afford To Sell Raul Jimenez This Summer?
Under the able guidance of Nuno, Wolves have been transformed into one of the real superpowers in the English game, and the biggest managers in the league will all vouch for the fact that the Molineux is not an easy place to get a win at. Their most recent fixture against Liverpool displayed just how much even the best teams will have to slog to get a result against the well-drilled team in orange.
The pace which they’ve showcased so far this season should be enough to carry them into the Europa League again next season, and manoeuvring that tournament without the presence of their main man would be an unthinkable task. Irrespective of whether or not Barcelona do come calling for Arsenal’s Aubameyang, Wolves will hope to ensure that they’re able to keep a hold of their Mexican striker in the summer.
