Wolves Transfers: 5 Strikers Nuno Espirito Santo's Side Could Realistically Sign This Summer
By Mitch Wilks
Wolves' impressive form since returning to the Premier League, simply put, wouldn't have been so sustainable if it wasn't for the goals of Raul Jimenez.
The Mexican forward has been spectacular since arriving in 2018, and boasts 22 goals and 10 assists to his name so far this season, in all competitions.
However, Jimenez's impressive start to life in the Premier League has attracted interest from a number of top clubs, and a move could leave Wolves looking to replace a lot of crucial goals. With the sale of flop Patrick Cutrone sanctioned in January this year, it is vital that Nuno Espirito Santo's side reinforce their forward options when possible.
Here's who Wolves should look to sign this summer, COVID-19 depending...
Aleksandar Mitrovic
A disappointing return to the Premier League in the 2018/19 campaign saw Fulham relegated back down to the Championship at the first time of asking. They've looked a different side under Scott Parker this season, however, and Aleksandar Mitrovic has been instrumental to their upturn in success.
The Serbian made a promising start to life in England with Newcastle, before joining Fulham on loan in January 2018 and making the switch permanent that summer.
Since then, Mitro has become a fan favourite at Craven Cottage, bagging 24 goals in the Championship so far this season. His form has been vital to Fulham and, depending on how the rest of the season plays out, could be what sends them back to the top flight.
Whether Fulham achieve promotion or not, there's no denying that the 25-year-old deserves another shot in the Premier League. His physicality is excellent and his on-the-ball ability allows him to score from a number of areas, making him the perfect option when feeding through forwards around him.
Whether he comes in as backup to Jimenez or steps up and forces his way into the starting XI, a move for Mitrovic could go down as a tremendous bit of business.
Potential Price: £27-35m
Andrea Belotti
Italian forward Andrea Belotti was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in 2017, but remained with Torino after nothing materialised. Since then, the 26-year-old has flown under the radar somewhat, which doesn't do him justice.
Belotti has bagged 85 goals and 18 assists in 179 appearances in all competitions for Torino, who he captains. A leader of men with an ability to find the back of the net, Belotti boasts fierce physical attributes and crisp accuracy in front of goal.
The Italian currently has nine Serie A goals this season, which isn't bad considering how far Torino have fallen and how little service he gets. If you can surround Belotti with equally as intelligent players and let him stay around the opposition box, he could score goals for fun in the English game.
With interest down on Belotti and Torino struggling, Wolves could snap him up for a reduced fee, despite the presence of an £87m release clause.
Potential Price: £37-45m
Emmanuel Dennis
The 22-year-old Nigerian was enjoying a stellar campaign before football came to a halt, but could yet be rewarded with a move to the English top flight.
Dennis has found the net nine times so far for Club Brugge this season, coming up with some important strikes in European competition against the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Pacy, technically sound and versatile, Dennis could slot well into Nuno's system, having played centrally and out wide for Club Brugge. He might not take the Premier League by storm immediately, but he could be a great addition to the Wolves squad for his versatility and could force his way into the starting XI.
He's been linked with Wanderers previously and his efforts have caught the eye of a number of Premier League clubs including Sheffield United and Newcastle, so Nuno needs to act fast if he wants his signature.
Potential Price: £20-25m
Alassane Pléa
The Frenchman caught the eye of social media earlier this year when he scored that ridiculous volley in the Bundesliga, faking it with his right foot while letting the ball bounce off his standing foot and into the back of the net.
Alassane Pléa has more than just worldies to his game, however; the 27-year-old has been a consistent threat for Borussia Moenchengladbach since signing in 2018, and has eight goals and seven assists to his name this season as his side sit third in the Bundesliga.
Pléa isn't the fastest striker in the game, but he doesn't need to be when his reading of the play is so good, and his output just as impressive. Surrounded by the likes of Diogo Jota and Adama Traore, Wolves wouldn't need to worry about a lack of speed, instead enjoying ruthless attacking football with a well-rounded striker at the helm.
Pléa would no doubt take Wolves to new heights, but he would do so at a price. With Moenchengladbach paying Nice €25m for his services in 2018, it would no doubt be an advance on that.
Potential Price: £35-45m
André Silva
Realistically, this can't be considered a true Wolves transfer shortlist without including a Portuguese transfer target.
André Silva has had a tough go of things since moving to a struggling Milan team in 2017. After failing to make a sufficient impact in Serie A, Silva now finds himself on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt.
Since signing on a two-year loan in September 2019, the 24-year-old has had a slow start, but by no means the worst one. In 26 total appearances, he's notched eight goals and four assists. Low on confidence after a tough time in Milan and a failed loan at Sevilla, it might take some time for the Portugal international to truly settle in.
However, there is no denying Silva's talent. He burst onto the scene at Porto which was what earned him the move initially, and he remains technically sound and agile.
A move to Wolves where he would link up with fellow Portugal teammates and play in a system surrounded by other forwards might just prove to be the restart his career needs.
Potential Price: £20-27m