da poker： When Raul Jimenez went down against Arsenal last weekend, everyone feared the worst.
da supremo： The noise that erupted around an empty Emirates Stadium after he clashed heads with David Luiz was horrendous, but thankfully, the Mexican is set to make a full recovery.
Jimenez will be out for a period of time with a fractured skull and as a result, Fabio Silva – the club’s record signing – could be set for an extended run in the side.
It would mark the first occasion he’s had the opportunity to really prove himself to Nuno Santo, but is a new striker already in Wolves’ crosshairs?
Last summer it was reported that Nuno Santo’s side were interested in signing Braga forward Paulinho.
A move didn’t materialise but their manager Carlos Carvalhal has recently admitted that he could be on his way to England as soon as next summer.
Speaking to A Bola about several players, including Paulinho, he said: “I believe at the end of the season they will move. Who knows, maybe to England.”
Wolves ears will surely be pricked by hearing that news, especially with Jimenez currently out injured and being linked with a move away so relentlessly.
Signing Paulinho as his potential successor would certainly be a good idea. He has already torn English opposition to shreds this year and has all the attributes needed to thrive in Wolves’ attack.
Against Leicester in this season’s Europa League he had four shots and scored one goal. His tricky nature led to him being fouled on four occasions, while he also completed an accurate cross despite playing down the middle.
He caused the likes of Jonny Evans plenty of problems, and judging by Carvalhal’s assessment, it’s clear why.
“It was the one who surprised me the most. I was expecting a good Paulinho player, that’s the image I have to play against him: a player with the ability to connect, attack space, technical ability, finish, more with his left foot than with his right but with both feet, and also the head game.”
The ability to connect and attack pace is something that Wolves’ dynamic attack is so good at. Just think of the way Daniel Podence and Pedro Neto linked up against Arsenal on Sunday.
A combative presence, Paulinho is also good at holding the ball up like Jimenez and uses his frame to win more aerial duels than the Mexico international.
So far this term, he 28-year-old has managed to win 2.1 headed battles a game in the league compared to Jimenez’s record of 1.5 per match.
If Paulinho is destined for England as his manager hints, Wolves would be an ideal destination.
Meanwhile, check out who STOLE the show besides Pedro Neto v Arsenal…