Wolverhampton Wanderers are facing an increasingly difficult battle to keep hold of their prized asset, João Gomes, as interest from top European clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain intensifies. The Brazilian midfielder, who has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season, is reportedly valued at €70 million by Wolves, but with the relentless pursuit from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, the club may struggle to retain his services in the long run.
Gomes, who arrived at Molineux in the winter transfer window from Flamengo in January 2023, has quickly adapted to life in the Premier League, showcasing his technical abilities, work rate, and dynamism in midfield. At just 22 years old, Gomes has the potential to be one of the brightest young talents in world football. His performances have caught the attention of some of the top clubs across Europe, with Arsenal and Manchester United in particular keen on bolstering their midfield options with his talents. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), in search of reinforcements in the engine room, have also emerged as a serious contender for Gomes’ signature.
However, despite the growing interest, Wolves are not willing to part ways with Gomes without a fight. The club is determined to keep hold of the player, who is seen as an integral part of their future plans, and they are under no pressure to sell given that Gomes is under contract at Molineux until 2027. Wolves’ stance is clear: any club wishing to sign Gomes will have to meet their €70 million valuation or face the possibility of a protracted battle.
Wolves’ Determined Stance
Wolverhampton Wanderers have already seen one of their star players, Ruben Neves, leave the club in the summer of 2023, with the Portuguese midfielder making a move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal for a reported fee of around €55 million. The sale of Neves, combined with the club’s somewhat limited financial resources, has placed increased pressure on Wolves to hold onto their remaining valuable assets, and João Gomes is now firmly in the spotlight as the next player that could potentially be prised away.
Despite this, the club is in a relatively strong negotiating position. The €70 million valuation of Gomes may seem steep, but it reflects his current value, which has surged since his arrival in England. Wolves are also aware that the growing interest from Arsenal, Manchester United, and PSG will only increase his market value, particularly if he continues to deliver top performances throughout the season. The club’s hierarchy knows that a bidding war for Gomes could significantly drive up his asking price, potentially earning them a substantial return on their investment.
Furthermore, Wolves are hopeful that Gomes’ affinity for the club and his growing relationship with head coach Gary O’Neil can convince the Brazilian to remain at Molineux for at least another season. O’Neil, who took over as manager in 2023, has praised Gomes’ development and work ethic, often describing him as the type of player that Wolves can build around in the future. Gomes, for his part, has expressed his desire to keep improving in the Premier League and has made no indication that he wishes to leave the club prematurely. However, as interest from the elite clubs grows, the pressure on the player to make a move could increase.
Arsenal’s Interest: Midfield Reinforcements for Arteta
Arsenal’s interest in João Gomes is part of a broader strategy to strengthen their midfield options. Mikel Arteta’s team has been one of the most exciting in the Premier League over the past couple of seasons, but there are still areas of the squad that could use reinforcement, particularly in the middle of the park. With Granit Xhaka departing for Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, and with the club having occasionally struggled with the depth of their midfield, Arsenal have been looking for a long-term replacement.
Gomes fits the profile of the type of player Arteta likes: young, dynamic, and technically gifted. The Brazilian would add energy, creativity, and balance to the Gunners’ midfield, alongside established stars like Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz. Moreover, Gomes’ ability to break up opposition attacks and transition play from defense to attack would complement Arsenal’s fast, possession-based style.
However, the challenge for Arsenal will be meeting Wolves’ €70 million asking price. While the Gunners have shown they are willing to spend big—evidenced by their purchase of Declan Rice for €105 million—spending another large amount on a player in a similar position could be difficult, especially if they are also eyeing reinforcements in other areas of the squad, such as in attack or defense.
Additionally, Arsenal’s interest in Gomes could be impacted by their ability to qualify for the Champions League, with a strong performance in the Premier League and Europe crucial for their ability to attract top-tier talent. If Arsenal are unable to secure a spot in the Champions League next season, it could weaken their chances of signing Gomes, especially with other clubs such as PSG in the mix.
Manchester United’s Midfield Search
Manchester United, too, have been heavily linked with João Gomes, with Erik ten Hag keen to add more quality to his midfield options. Since taking over at Old Trafford, Ten Hag has been working to reshape Manchester United into a more cohesive and balanced team. One area that he has identified as needing reinforcement is the midfield, where United have often lacked a consistent controlling presence.
Gomes could fit perfectly into Ten Hag’s system. His versatility allows him to operate as both a box-to-box midfielder and a defensive presence, something United have struggled to find since the departure of Paul Pogba. With Casemiro aging and Christian Eriksen not offering the same defensive solidity, Gomes would bring an additional layer of defensive cover while also contributing offensively.
United’s interest in Gomes, however, faces the same financial realities as Arsenal’s. While Manchester United has the resources to make a substantial offer, their ongoing ownership situation could complicate matters, as there are questions regarding the club’s long-term investment plans. Furthermore, with other priority targets, such as Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, United may have to be selective with their spending. Nonetheless, João Gomes remains a player who could provide United with the midfield presence they need to challenge for top honors both domestically and in Europe.
PSG’s Pursuit: Seeking a New Midfield General
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have also been mentioned as a potential destination for Gomes, with the Ligue 1 giants constantly on the lookout for high-quality players to strengthen their squad. Despite boasting a midfield rich in talent, PSG are keen to add a player who can provide greater balance and defensive solidity, a role that Gomes could fill with his tireless running and defensive discipline.
PSG’s interest could be particularly strong if they decide to part ways with some of their older midfielders, like Marco Verratti or Carlos Soler, in the near future. With financial fair play regulations always a concern for the club, signing a €70 million player like Gomes would need to be part of a well-structured deal, but PSG’s financial might makes them a serious player in the race for his signature.
Conclusion: Wolves’ Battle to Keep João Gomes
Wolverhampton Wanderers are fully aware of the growing interest in João Gomes and the challenges they face in holding onto the Brazilian midfielder. With top clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, and PSG circling, the club will need to rely on both their financial strength and their ability to convince Gomes that his future lies at Molineux, at least for the time being.
While Wolves are under no immediate pressure to sell, they will have to be prepared for the possibility that one of the European giants could meet their €70 million asking price in the near future. For now, though, the club is doing everything in its power to retain their young star and continue building a team capable of challenging for higher Premier League positions. The coming months will undoubtedly be crucial in determining whether João Gomes remains at Wolves or embarks on the next chapter of his promising career elsewhere.
