Arsenal have apparently taken steps to beat Manchester United to the signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes this summer.
The 23-year-old made the move to Molineux from Flamengo midway through the 2022-23 season, having previously been linked with a switch to the Premier League to play for Liverpool.
Wolves forked out a relatively modest €18.7m (£16m) for Gomes's signature, and he has become a stalwart in Gary O'Neil's midfield this season, making 31 appearances and banking two goals and an assist.
Thanks to Gomes's exploits in the middle, Wolves have been making a late push for Europe in the closing stages of the Premier League season, occupying 11th spot in the table, just six points behind seventh-placed West Ham United with a game in hand.
Gomes's contract at Molineux runs until 2028 with the option of a further 12 months, but Wolves' resolve is expected to be tested by members of the Big Six during the summer window.
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Arsenal readying formal bid for Gomes?
Manchester United have been regarded as the leading contenders for Gomes's signature over the past few weeks, and it has been claimed that the Red Devils are formulating a £40m package to bring him to Old Trafford.
However, according to journalist Ekrem Konur - via O Dia - Arsenal have also taken a liking to Gomes and are now attempting to steal a march on the Red Devils in their pursuit of the former Flamengo man.
The report claims that the Gunners want to enter advanced negotiations with Wolves during the summer transfer window, and they could make an approach if talks yield a positive solution.
O'Neil's side are sure to drive a hard bargain for the two-cap Brazil international, though, and it is not clear if the £40m that Man United reportedly proposed would be enough to prise him away from Molineux.
Which Arsenal midfielders could be on the move this summer?
Gomes is unlikely to arrive at the Emirates unless Arsenal can shift at least one of their ageing engine room enforcers, but as many as four men could be at risk of the axe over the summer.
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Both Mohamed Elneny and Jorginho see their deals expire this summer, and while the former should be allowed to leave as a free agent, the latter's future is far more uncertain following his renaissance in the Gunners team.
Arsenal can choose to extend the Italian's deal by a further 12 months, but it is believed that the Gunners want to hold talks with his entourage over a completely new deal, which could affect his wage packet.
Meanwhile, the injury-riddled Thomas Partey - now starting to earn substitute minutes again after a severe thigh concern - is only under contract until the end of the 2024-25 campaign, and Arsenal are thought to be open to summer bids due to his frequent struggles for fitness.
Emile Smith Rowe's long-term career prospects at the Emirates are also clouded in doubt, but after his strong showing in last week's win over Luton Town, Arteta affirmed that the England international is part of his plans.
Smith Rowe has started just three top-flight games in the entire season, though, and Arsenal should be braced for offers for their academy graduate amid his lack of game time.
