In the January transfer window, Napoli’s interest in Wolves star Joao Gomes was quite clear.
The Italian side reached an agreement over personal terms with the player and his entourage. This was covered extensively by Sport Witness, with a summer move being considered by the Partenopei.
A deal in winter was always going to be complicated. Wolves hadn’t given up on Premier League survival and had limited time to find a replacement.
It was believed that €40m would be needed to convinced Rob Edwards’ side into a summer sale. Napoli weren’t going to drop that amount in the middle of the season and saw him as a key summer target.
More background on a possible deal is now emerging. Today’s Il Mattino takes a closer look at the Brazilian.
Gomes’ Wolves contract causing concern
The Naples-based newspaper – via AreaNapoli, clarify that Antonio Conte was desperate for the midfielder in January. Napoli faced a midfield injury crisis and saw the 25-year-old as a solution to the problem.
The Italian giants’ interest in the player remains ‘very strong’ even for a summer deal. The midfielder is being closely monitored by Napoli, with sporting director Giovanni Manna appearing quite interested.
Gomes’ contract at Wolves is likely to pose a challenge. It runs until 2030, which can increase Edwards’ side demands for a possible sale in the summer. That can also attract other suitors and blow away Napoli’s hopes.
Beyond that, Gomes will occupy a non-EU status in the current Napoli squad. They signed two Brazilians in Alysson Santos and Giovane in January.
Our take on Wolves’ Joao Gomes to Napoli
Signing the midfielder would be a classic Napoli deal. The Partenopei have sniffed out opportunistic Premier League deals like Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, David Gilmour and Scott McTominay over the past few seasons. All of them have done well.
Gomes could be similar and Wolves’ likely relegation can also help.
In this case, competition from other clubs can be damaging to Napoli. When it comes to Zambo Anguissa, Gilmour and McTominay, the line of suitors was much less frightening. It won’t be a surprise if Gomes is of interest to Atletico Madrid and Manchester United in the summer, given the links already in place.
Financially, Napoli will struggle to compete with those two clubs.
