Brazilian pause for Arsenal and Chelsea – 2 Premier League clubs halted until summer for signing

Arsenal and Chelsea are being held at arm’s length by São Paulo youngster William Gomes, who doesn’t intend to move in the January transfer window.

That’s according to Bolavip Brazil, who report that the youngster’s staff are holding off on any transfer until the middle of 2025.

They report that William Gomes has caught the attention of major English teams with his performances in Brazil to date. He’s considered a potential star of the future and São Paulo already have a contingency plan in place.

A recent report in England recently stated the 18-year-old was being targeted by Arsenal and Chelsea, with both reportedly monitoring his development.

However, according to Bolavip, they will be held at arm’s length by the player. They say Arsenal and Chelsea are unlikely to ‘make an official offer’ to take the player in January because the player’s staff have made it clear that they’ll only assess offers that come in the middle of next year.

Gomes has already received several enquiries from major European football clubs and been contacted ‘practically every week’ to find out more details about his situation.

São Paulo don’t want to sell, though, seeing Gomes as a main reinforcement for next season and believe he can still hit another level and then be sold permanently.

He’s seen as the ‘main jewel’, but they want him to deliver on the pitch to ensure a bigger price in future. This, coupled with the player’s own desire to wait means Arsenal and Chelsea will be forced to wait.