Atletico Madrid Open Talks With Wolves Over Joao Gomes
Atletico Madrid have opened negotiations with Wolverhampton Wanderers over a potential move for midfielder Joao Gomes, according to a report from talkSPORT. The Spanish club, seeking to reinforce their midfield this summer, are facing an asking price of approximately €46 million for the Brazilian international. Wolves, who were recently relegated from the Premier League, are reportedly not willing to offer significant discounts on their key assets despite their impending drop to the Championship.
The pursuit of Gomes comes as Atletico's primary sporting director, Mateu Alemany, works to address a potential gap in the squad. The long-term future of club captain Koke Resurreccion remains uncertain, and while winter signings Rodrigo Mendoza and Obed Vargas are seen as long-term prospects, manager Diego Simeone is keen to add a more established presence in the center of the park. This has led the club to explore several options, with Gomes emerging as a concrete target after initial interest was noted in the January window.
Gomes, 25, joined Wolves from Flamengo in January 2023 and has developed into a consistent performer in the Premier League, known for his combative style and ball-winning abilities. His form earned him a call-up to the Brazilian national team, and his profile is seen as a potential fit for Simeone's demanding tactical system. The reported €46 million valuation places him in a similar financial bracket to another of Atletico's targets, Atalanta's Ederson dos Santos, whose own proposed deal is currently described as being on the rocks.
The club's hierarchy, led by Alemany, now faces a decision on which player to prioritize. The financial outlay for either Gomes or Ederson would be significant, and the choice is likely to come down to which player is more highly favored by Simeone and the recruitment team. With Wolves standing firm on their valuation, any deal for Gomes would require Atletico to meet their demands or structure a payment package that satisfies all parties.
For Wolves, a sale at the quoted price would represent a substantial profit and provide crucial funds for a Championship rebuild. For Atletico, securing a player of Gomes's age and profile would be a statement of intent as they look to refresh an aging midfield. The transfer window does not officially open until July, giving both clubs time to negotiate, but Atletico's early move indicates a desire to conclude business promptly. The outcome of these talks will also signal the end of their pursuit of one of their two primary Brazilian targets, shaping their strategy for the rest of the summer market.
