Both Arsenal and Manchester United are actively seeking a new midfielder this summer to strengthen their starting lineups.
According to reports, Arsenal have dealt a significant blow to Manchester United in their pursuit of Joao Gomes.
The 23-year-old midfielder, who has been drawing attention from the ‘big six’, especially for his standout performances with Wolves, sees his contract running until 2028.
With 27 Premier League appearances this season, Gomes has been instrumental in keeping Wolves away from relegation concerns. His form since joining from Flamengo has attracted interest from top clubs, with Arsenal reportedly taking the lead over Manchester United in the race to secure his signature.
O Dia, a Brazilian publication, suggests that Arsenal are poised to initiate talks with Wolves at the season’s end for Gomes’ transfer.
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Both Mikel Arteta and Erik ten Hag are said to be pursuing his signature, but the £24.2million-rated Brazilian appears to favour a transfer to Anfield instead. Gomes expressed his preference for Liverpool in a 2022 interview with ESPN, as reported by the MailOnline.
“Liverpool are a team I’d play for. I have the greatest desire to play. Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream in football.”
In the previous month, the Wolves standout made his senior debut for Brazil during their 1-0 victory against England at Wembley. Gomes was among just four outfield players who completed the entire match, impressing Micah Richards in the process.
“We have to give a quick shoutout to Gomes of Wolves,” said the former Manchester City defender on the Rest is Football podcast. “Oh my word, what a player he is by the way.
“I didn’t have the team-sheet and I didn’t have my glasses on and I was thinking, ‘who’s this guy?’ I couldn’t even see until I got my glasses on but Gomes, he is a player by the way. Obviously, we don’t get to see Wolves too much on TV.
“We see them on Match of the Day. Seeing him up close and personal, his touches, his anticipation when he’s winning the ball back and his weight of ball forward. Sorry Wolves fans, he’s going to the top that lad.”