Lucas Ocampos (Getty Images)
According to Daily Star, Wolves are ready to make a move for Sevilla star Lucas Ocampos ahead of the new campaign.
The report suggests that the Midlands club have identified Ocampos as a replacement for Adama Traore, who has attracted the attention of Liverpool and Manchester City. The Sevilla forward is rated at £45m by his club as his value has sky-rocketed due to his performance this season.
However, Wolves could face competition to sign the Argentine as Premier League rivals Everton and a host of European clubs are interested in signing Ocampos, as per the report.
Born in Argentina, Ocampos began his journey with Quilmes Atletico Club before joining River Plate’s youth system. After 24 appearances for the Argentine giants, he was signed by Monaco in 2012, where he made 96 appearances before going out on loan to Marseille.
After struggling to make an impact with the French outfit, he was sent on loan to Genoa and AC Milan. However, he returned to impress with Marseille in his last two seasons. After making 132 appearances, he was signed by Sevilla for £15m last summer.
Since then, he has established himself as a key member under Julen Lopetegui and has helped the Spanish qualify for the Champions League next season, whilst also pushing Sevilla to Europa League victory this season.
At the moment, four wingers are available at Nuno Espirito Santo’s disposal. However, Traore has been the main man on the right side of the attack. The Spaniard featured in all but one league game and managed to rack up 4 goals and 9 assists across all competitions.
Pedro Neto and Daniel Podence, who are capable of playing on either flank, haven’t been up to the mark as they lack experience. Portuguese international Diogo Jota seems comfortable on the left side of the attack. And Traore’s departure (if it happens) would leave them with limited options on the right side. Thus, making a move for Ocampos seems to be sensible.
The Argentine international has been in sensational form this season, scoring 14 goals in La Liga and also scored the winner, which knocked Wolves out of the Europa League competition. He has gone from strength to strength in the last few seasons and has consistently provided the goods since the 2017/18 campaign.
His inclusion would help Wolves keep their squad depth intact. If he is able to continue with the fine form, he would be a valuable addition to the squad. He has already made over 300 career appearances and that should help him settle to the conditions of the Premier League.
With Traore’s future uncertain, it is clear that Wolves are in dire need of in-form wingers. And given Ocampos’ consistency in the last few seasons, he could be a perfect replacement for the Spaniard. Thus, Wolves should make a move for the former Marseille man and bring him to Molineux this summer.
