Atletico Madrid open talks for Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes
Atletico Madrid have initiated discussions with Wolverhampton Wanderers over a potential summer move for midfielder Joao Gomes, according to sources close to the negotiations. The Spanish club's interest comes as their primary midfield target, Atalanta's Ederson, remains out of reach due to stalled talks over the transfer fee and agent commissions. Gomes, who is also a reported target for Manchester United, is expected to leave Wolves following the club's relegation to the Championship.
Atletico manager Diego Simeone is seeking to reinforce his midfield and had already secured personal terms with Ederson. However, with the deal for the Brazilian at an impasse, the La Liga side has turned its attention to Gomes as a viable alternative. Sources indicate that initial contact has been made with Wolves, with Atletico using the move as leverage in their ongoing negotiations with Atalanta while also advancing a genuine parallel option.
Wolves are prepared to sell a number of high-value assets this summer as they adjust to life in the second tier, and the 23-year-old Gomes is considered one of their most marketable players. The club had initially hoped to command a fee around £50 million for the Brazilian international, but it is now believed a deal could be struck closer to £40 million. Intermediaries involved are reportedly confident an agreement can be reached at that price point.
Joao Gomes joined Wolves from Flamengo in January 2023 and has established himself as a tenacious and combative presence in the heart of their midfield. His consistent performances in the Premier League have attracted attention from several top-flight clubs. Manchester United's interest is longstanding, with the Old Trafford club reportedly monitoring Gomes as part of their own plans to recruit two new central midfielders during the upcoming transfer window.
For Gomes, a move to Atletico Madrid represents a significant step up, offering Champions League football and the chance to work under Simeone. Sources suggest the player is open to the prospect of playing in La Liga, although his representatives are also weighing up options in England, where multiple clubs are monitoring his situation. The coming weeks are expected to be decisive, as Atletico's pursuit will likely accelerate if they cannot bridge the gap with Atalanta for Ederson.
The potential transfer underscores a summer of significant change at Molineux, where a major squad overhaul is anticipated. For Atletico, securing a player of Gomes's profile and age would represent a strategic acquisition, adding energy and defensive steel to their midfield as they plan for the future. The situation remains fluid, with the player's final destination likely dependent on which club moves most decisively to meet Wolves's valuation.
