Wolves chase Elimbi while West Ham target Deossa in final days

Wolverhampton Wanderers need a commanding centre‑back to add leadership and stability as they push for an immediate return to the Premier League, and 23‑year‑old French defender Marvin Elimbi fits that profile. The Portuguese head coach Cesar Peixoto has kept the defender on his shortlist at Molineux, hoping to reunite with a player he previously managed at Gil Vicente.

Elimbi is valued at around £3.5 million, is under contract with Gil Vicente until 2028 and featured in every league match last season. His consistent displays formed the backbone of a defence that helped the Portuguese club finish sixth in the Portuguese league, convincing Peixoto that he can provide the needed experience.

Wolves have monitored the French defender’s situation since the start of the close‑season, keeping him on their radar as a potential solution to a back‑line that lacks depth after recent departures. The club’s pursuit runs parallel to West Ham United’s interest in Colombian midfielder Nelson Deossa.

Deossa, 26, has a varied résumé in Colombia, Argentina and Mexico and completed 33 appearances for Real Betis last season, though he logged under 800 minutes in La Liga. Both Championship rivals sent scouts to Betis’ pre‑season friendly against Arsenal in Dublin, underscoring the intensity of the chase.

Ipswich Town and Leeds United also attended the Dublin fixture, highlighting the broader competition for the midfielder’s signature. Meanwhile, Wolves have already bolstered their squad with permanent signings Kieran Trippier, Raul Jimenez and Ladislav Krejčí, plus loan arrival Rafiki Said, despite his current knee injury.

Peixoto told the Express & Star that the market slowdown caused by the World Cup has delayed activity, but he expects a flurry of moves before the 1 September deadline. “There’s going to be changes, the market is delayed and we try to manage the situation,” he said.

He added confidence in his current group, praising their work ethic and spirit, and affirmed that the club will find the right solutions to improve the team. With the Black Country side set to host Blackburn Rovers at Molineux to kick off the 2026‑27 Championship campaign, Peixoto’s focus remains on finalising the squad before the window shuts.