Transfer Rumors: Wolverhampton Wants Permanent Deal For Ivorian Player; Fiorentina Listening To Offer

Christian Kouame is currently on loan to Fiorentina, but it appears Wolverhampton is interested in taking in the 23-year-old forward.

However, the Wanderers are looking beyond a loan deal, preferring a permanent move that would see the Ivorian footballer become a regular fixture at the Molineux Stadium.

Fiorentina is reportedly open to the idea although money-matters come into play.

Wolverhampton is willing to pay for the services of the Ivory forward, roughly less than £12.9 million ($18.3 million). Here lies the problem since La Viola wants nothing less than the set price tag.

Regardless, anything can still happen come the summer transfer window. The good news is that Fiorentina is open to the idea, meaning they and Wolverhampton are likely to engage in talks to discuss a workable agreement for Kouame.

Kouame joined Fiorentina in January 2020 following a loan agreement with mother team Genoa.

He had a good start, accounting for one goal and two assists in seven appearances. This facilitated a permanent move to La Viola last summer, but Kouame’s performance took a different turn ever since.

He has failed to maintain that level of efficiency in his first full season with La Viola.

In the 2020-21 season, Kouame has only accounted for one goal and an assist in 33 appearances. He started in nine of those games, but his stock has considerably dipped.

Instead, Fiorentina has turned to Dusan Vlahovic, someone who is also eyed by several teams from the English Premier League.

That along with the asking price for Kouame could factor in the decision-making of Giuseppe Iachini and top management.

If the Wolves are decided to take him in, that would require meeting the set asking price.

They could keep the Ivorian instead as insurance if the Serbian striker opts to exit Stadio Artemio Franchi.

As for the Wolves, it is no secret that they need more scorers in the club. They have dropped to the bottom half of the table, tallying only 35 goals in 36 games.

But pundits feel that Kouame may not be a logical addition, especially if scoring is a concern.

According to the Athletic, Raul Jimenez could be creeping his way back from injury.

He has been cleared to resume full-contact training after six months being on the sidelines, the Athletic reported.

For those who may not know, the Mexican suffered a fractured skull when he clashed heads with David Luiz of Arsenal in November.

Initially, most feared he would be unable to play again. But based on the latest developments, it appears the 30-year-old forward is ready to return to the pitch.