Wolves Launch Controversial Bid for Former West Brom Striker Armstrong
Wolverhampton Wanderers have sparked controversy by making an official enquiry to sign striker Adam Armstrong from Southampton in a potential £15 million deal. The move comes as the club prepares for the likely departure of their current forward Jorgen Strand Larsen, whose future at Molineux remains uncertain.
Transfer Deadline Day Drama Unfolds
With Monday's transfer deadline rapidly approaching, Wolves have initiated talks with Southampton regarding Armstrong's availability. The 28-year-old striker, who cost the Saints £15 million nearly five years ago, has emerged as a surprise target for Gary O'Neil's side as they seek attacking reinforcements.
Armstrong's current contract at Southampton has under 18 months remaining, and he has been in impressive form this season, scoring 11 goals in 29 Championship appearances. However, his Premier League record remains a concern, with just six goals and seven assists in 88 top-flight appearances throughout his career.
Strand Larsen's Uncertain Future
The potential move for Armstrong comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding Jorgen Strand Larsen's position at Wolves. The Norwegian international has held talks with Crystal Palace about a potential £45 million plus £5 million move, though negotiations have reportedly slowed in recent days.
Strand Larsen came off the bench during Wolves' 2-0 defeat to AFC Bournemouth on Saturday, but remains likely to leave the club before the transfer window closes. Should the Palace move collapse, both Nottingham Forest and Leeds United have expressed interest in securing the striker's services.
Black Country Rivalry Adds Controversy
What makes this potential transfer particularly contentious is Armstrong's recent history with West Bromwich Albion. The striker spent last season at The Hawthorns, making 16 Championship appearances and scoring just three goals for Wolves' bitter local rivals.
This move would see Armstrong cross the Black Country divide less than 12 months after his disappointing spell with West Brom, creating potential friction with supporters of both clubs. During his time with the Baggies, Armstrong failed to replicate the form he showed two seasons earlier when he scored 21 goals and provided 13 assists in 46 Championship games for Blackburn Rovers.
Strategic Considerations for Wolves
Wolves are yet to determine whether they would pursue Armstrong on a permanent basis or seek a loan arrangement. The club's interest appears to be primarily focused on Championship-level performance, given Armstrong's struggles to adapt to Premier League football throughout his career.
Our sister publication, the Express & Star, has exclusively revealed that while Armstrong is on Wolves' shortlist of potential striker targets, the club has not yet identified their priority signing. The coming days will determine whether this controversial move progresses or if Wolves pursue alternative attacking options.
Southampton's willingness to part with their striker remains uncertain, but Wolves' enquiry signals their intention to strengthen their forward line before Monday's deadline, regardless of the potential controversy surrounding Armstrong's recent connections to their local rivals.
