Wolves should beat Nuno Espirito Santo in race to sign 14-goal striker as £25m asking price set
New Wolves manager Vitor Pereira has a major task ahead of him this summer as he looks to reshape and strengthen his squad, with a particular focus on injecting more firepower into the team’s frontline. Following the high-profile departure of top scorer Matheus Cunha to Manchester United—a move that had been anticipated for some time—it’s now clear that Pereira must act decisively in the transfer market.
Cunha’s exit, officially completed on Sunday, has left a significant void in Wolves’ attacking options. The Brazilian forward had an outstanding campaign in 2024/25, finding the back of the net 17 times and proving to be the club’s most potent offensive threat. His sale, while financially beneficial, now demands a response in the form of a suitable replacement who can contribute both goals and creativity in the final third.
Currently, Jørgen Strand Larsen remains Wolves’ main man up front. The towering Norwegian striker impressed in his debut season with 15 goals, but he cannot be expected to shoulder the attacking burden alone. Pereira is acutely aware that the team needs more depth and dynamism in forward areas—not only to share the goal-scoring responsibility but also to increase competition for places and tactical flexibility.
One name emerging as a prime target is Lazio striker Valentín “Taty” Castellanos. The Argentine forward has been linked with a move to Molineux, and reports from Football Italia suggest that Lazio are demanding a fee in the region of €30 million (around £25 million). That figure aligns with what Wolves are reportedly willing to pay, indicating that serious interest is in place.
Castellanos, 26, enjoyed a productive campaign in Italy last season, registering 14 goals and eight assists across all competitions. His numbers underscore not just his clinical finishing ability but also his talent for link-up play and creating chances for teammates. He is versatile enough to operate as a traditional number nine or drop slightly deeper into a supporting role—an ideal fit for Pereira’s tactical setup, which values mobility and attacking intelligence.
While the club has also been monitoring Braga winger Roger Fernandes as a potential addition to the attacking unit, it’s Castellanos who could directly rival or complement Strand Larsen. The possibility of fielding both strikers in tandem would give Pereira more options, whether he opts for a two-man forward line or rotates them depending on the opposition.
Wolves are well-placed financially to make a strong push for Castellanos. The club is set to receive £33.7 million from the expected sale of left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri, while Cunha’s £62.5 million transfer fee is set to arrive in structured installments. That gives the Midlands outfit a solid financial platform to reinvest in the squad—and Castellanos should be at the top of the shopping list.
However, the race for the Argentine’s signature is heating up. Nottingham Forest, now managed by former Wolves boss Nuno Espírito Santo, have also expressed strong interest. With the lure of European football under Nuno, Forest may offer a compelling alternative. West Ham United and Everton are also in the mix, making this a highly competitive pursuit.
Despite the competition, Wolves have a powerful case to present. They can offer Castellanos regular first-team football and a central role in Pereira’s new-look side—an enticing proposition for any ambitious striker. Molineux has become a fertile ground for emerging European and South American talents in recent years, with players like João Gomes, André, and Strand Larsen flourishing and endearing themselves to the fans with their commitment and quality.
Wolves also benefit from their longstanding relationship with super-agent Jorge Mendes, whose influence could prove pivotal in swaying Castellanos’ decision. If Mendes gets involved, the club could leverage his extensive network to finalise the deal.
Ultimately, this summer presents an opportunity for Wolves to not just replace Cunha, but to upgrade and evolve. Bringing in a player like Castellanos would be a statement of intent—a clear signal that under Pereira, Wolves are ready to rebuild and challenge for higher ground in the Premier League.
Wolves must now act decisively and go all-in to secure a striker capable of leading the line for years to come. Castellanos might just be the perfect man for the job.