Man Utd target backtracks on comments as hope of striker signing fades

Raul Jimenez has denied that he will leave Wolves if they fail to qualify for the Champions League next season.

The Mexican striker has been pivotal for Wolves in their two seasons back in the Premier League, helping them into the Europa League and even becoming outside contenders for a Champions League spot.

However, his form has been that good that his current club may face a battle to keep hold of him, with Manchester United and Arsenal linked with an interest.

Jimenez previously suggested he would be “open to everything” when quizzed about a possible transfer, but admitted the length of his contract would make a move difficult – a stance he has now reiterated, before backing up his desire to stay at Wolves.

“I have a contract until 2023,” he told a Bridgestone Mexico Facebook Q&A (via Goal).

“It’s not that we have to qualify for the Champions League in order to stay. I’m good [here], happy with Wolves, doing important things – me as well as the whole team.

“We’ve been trying our best since the start of last season. We’ve qualified for the Europa League, now we’re fighting for a Champions League spot.

“And it’s the big motivation to keep growing as a player and getting into the Champions League is always a plus that satisfies you and keeps you thinking about big things.”

The 28-year-old is rated at around £50m, and has been suggested as the ideal replacement for Alexandre Lacazette at Arsenal, but it appears such a move will not be happening.

 

 

Elsewhere, he admitted that he may close out his career back in America, before becoming a pundit himself, or a coach.

“I hope to last as long as I can,” he added. “I have been a player with few injuries and I hope to continue for many more years.

“I then want to be a coach or take a position on TV, but I will continue in football.

“I am having a good time in Europe for now but in the future I don’t rule out going back to America.”