Arsenal rival Manchester United for Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes

Arsenal have joined Premier League rivals Manchester United in the pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes.

Joao Gomes, 23, has quickly established himself as a key player for Wolverhampton Wanderers since arriving from boyhood club Flamengo in January 2023. He has been one of the shining lights for Gary O’Neil’s side this season, bagging two goals and an assist in 27 Premier League appearances thus far. The central midfielder’s eye-catching performances in the Premier League earned him his first senior call-up to the Brazil national team. He made his debut in Brazil’s 1-0 win over England in a friendly at the Wembley Stadium last month.

Arsenal and Manchester United are reportedly both keen on securing Joao Gomes’ signature in the summer transfer window. It is understood that the Gunners are more serious than the Red Devils in the two-cap Brazilian international, whose contract at Molineux runs until 2028 with an option for another year.

Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes in demand ahead of next transfer window

Joao Gomes has become a big part of Wolves’ first team alongside Mario Lemina in the centre of the pitch. Having netted on his debut against Southampton at St Mary’s last season, he hasn’t looked back; bagging a brace in the 2-1 away win over Tottenham Hotspur back in February.

It is no secret that both Arsenal and Man United need to bring in midfield reinforcements in the summer. Thomas Partey has spent the majority of the campaign on the sidelines, and Jorginho is well into his 30s, meaning the Gunners would require a quality central midfielder to partner Declan Rice next season.

In terms of passing, running power and work rate, Gomes would be an upgrade on the ageing Jorginho. A move to Arsenal will certainly be appealing to the Brazilian midfielder as he would get to work alongside quality players, play in the Champions League and compete for trophies with them.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils are expected to overhaul their midfield unit at the end of the season under the new INEOS regime. Midfielders such as Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay could leave, while Sofyan Amrabat’s loan move from Fiorentina is unlikely to be made permanent. This should open up space in the squad for a couple of young central midfielders with high potential, and Gomes would be a good fit.

The 23-year-old could form a strong partnership with breakout star Kobbie Mainoo in the Red Devils’ engine room, bringing composure, control, tenacity and energy to the side. Joining arguably the biggest club will be a massive step up in his still embryonic career, and Gomes will be hungry to prove himself at the top level.

Arsenal are now considered to be the more serious club, with suggestions that they could make a tempting offer to Wolves when the transfer window reopens. While a fee is yet to be disclosed, the north London club will seemingly open discussions with the Wanderers—something that the Red Devils aren’t thinking about at this moment.