Jhon Arias is a name most English football fans will not have heard of, but he is a player in-demand on these shores – with TeamTalk claiming Leeds, Rangers and West Ham are in the mix for the star.
Arias, 26, has sparkled for Brazilian side Fluminense since joining the club back in the summer of 2021. He has since had a hand in 56 goals during 135 games for the South American giants, starring in 2023.
With the Brazilian season drawing to a close, 10-time Colombia star Arias – a teammate of Sinisterra at international level – sits on 22 goals and assists for the campaign. He has played 53 times as a winger.
Such form is not going unnoticed. TeamTalk say Leeds, Rangers and West Ham are three of seven clubs looking at him. Crystal Palace, Wolves, Burnley and Leicester City are also looking at a move for Arias.
Scouts from all seven clubs are said to have watched Arias in action for either Fluminense, or Colombia. He has a contract with the Brazilian side until the summer of 2026 – but he could be sold come January.
Leeds and West Ham in the mix for Colombian star Jhon Arias
It is unclear how much Arias will cost. But clearly, if he already has caps for Colombia and is still only 26, then he is not going to be cheap. He is untested in Europe but showing all the tools he requires to shine.
Leeds have options. Cree Summerville, Willy Gnonto, Dan James, Jaidon Anthony, Ian Poveda. The latter is firmly back-up, while the other four are vying to start. Summerville and James are on absolute fire.
Gnonto could still leave in January and Anthony is only on loan, and as of yet, will not have convinced the Leeds board to sign him permanently. So, Arias could emerge as a target if one or two leave Leeds.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
