Crystal Palace, Wolves and Rangers beaten to £11m transfer by Premier League rivals
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Crystal Palace had enquired about the Colombian international earlier this year.
Crystal Palace and Wolves are set to be beaten to the signing of Fluminense striker Jhon Arias by Premier League rivals West Ham. Scottish giants Rangers had also been linked with interest in the player.
The Hammers continue to look proactive in the window this summer, having this week announced the £25.5 million signing of Brazilian youngster Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras. Technical director Tim Steidten has been on the ground in Brazil brokering deals for the Julen Lopetegui era and looks to have green lighted another move.
RTI Esporte reports that West Ham have had an £11 million bid for Arias accepted with the Brazilian club allowing personal talks between the London club and the forward. Supporters will nonetheless be cautious having seen the club fail to reach a contract agreement with Fabirico Bruno in recent weeks.
News of progress between West Ham and Fluminense comes as a blow to the Eagles, as well as Wolves. Crystal Palace had been credited with interest in the player by Colombian outlet AS.
The South London club were reported to have made contact with the Brazilian club to enquire about a potential move earlier this year. The Colombian international, who has 13 caps for his national side, is able to play in any role across the front three and could have been an ideal signing for Oliver Glasner in a world where the club does lose Michael Olise and/or Eberechi Eze this summer.
Arias bagged a respectable 35 goals and 38 assists in 168 Fluminense appearances since joining the club and has seven goals and four assists this term.
The deal between West Ham and Fluminense is expected to be complete in the 'next few days' with the English club agreeing to £1.8 million of performance-related add-ons as well as the transfer fee.