Wolverhampton Wanderers club icon John Richards has urged the Molineux outfit to do their utmost to retain star striker Raul Jimenez this summer.
Richards has been full of praise for the Mexican striker, who is enjoying a career-best campaign in front of goal with 26 strikes to his name across all competitions, including 17 in the Premier League.
His performances have naturally sparked rumours of a potential summer farewell from the West Midlands, which would force Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo into frantic transfer activity looking to replace his most lethal weapon.
It is not only goals that Richards feels Espirito Santo would be missing if he were to lose Jimenez in the summer, either, as the two-time League Cup winner with Wolves believes the Mexican offers a leader at the front of the pitch who performs week in, week out.
“He just seems to be getting better, if that can be possible,” Richards told the Express and Star.
“He’s a world-class striker, without a doubt. You see it week in and week out with the way he performs and leads the frontline.
“He works hard as well. You can understand why there’s lots of interest, and why we need to keep him. We need to keep him.
“He’s a priceless commodity. What he has contributed goals-wise is invaluable to the club.”
Will Jimenez be at Wolves next season?
Yes
No
A move away from Molineux may occur, however, as Jimenez has previously stated that he would be open to quitting Wolves as the chance to join Barcelona or Real Madrid would be too good to turn down amid growing speculation of intrigue across the continent.
“I find out [about the links with other clubs] through social media,” Jimenez told ESPN in May. “They have already put me at Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and every day comes out a new team that want me.
“I have to be calm. If they are talking about me it is because I am doing things well; I would like to continue in England. I am happy, adapted and I like the idea [of staying in the Premier League].
“If you tell me that tomorrow an offer from Real Madrid or Barcelona comes, it is obvious that you do not let such an opportunity go.”
