Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has addressed rumours surrounding one of his players’ future amid recent transfer speculation linking him to Arsenal.
It’s set to be an interesting summer for Wolves, who are in desperate need of reinforcements in the transfer window.
Gary O’Neil made it clear that he needs Fosun to be on his side when the market opens, expressing his frustration over the lack of funds available to him in January.
The Englishman has done a stellar job at defying the odds at Molineux this season, making the summer an interesting prospect after the lows of the 2023 window that resulted in Julen Lopetegui leaving the club.
While the attention will largely be on players that Wolves could sign, there has also been a lot of speculation regarding players that could leave, with O’Neil taking the opportunity to relay his confidence over one ace’s future.
Gary O’Neil is confident that Joao Gomes will remain at Wolves amid transfer interest
At the start of the season, it was Pedro Neto who was attracting a host of transfer speculation however, as the campaign has progressed, it seems attention has turned to Joao Gomes.
This week, reports have linked the 23-year-old with a move to both Manchester United and Arsenal, with the Gunners said to be ready to ‘make an offer’ for the Brazilian in the summer, read more here.
While the links are perhaps unsurprising due to the quality the midfielder has shown throughout the 2023/24 calendar, it would be a worry for Wolves to lose such a crucial part of their midfield.
Speaking to the media, O’Neil has since responded to such reports to relieve any anxieties over Gomes’ future movements, admitting he is ‘confident’ that the Brazil international will remain at Wolves, via Express and Star.
“He loves it here, I speak to him all the time and he’s unbelievably happy.”
“I’m very confident Joao Gomes will be here next year. He loves it here and is a big part of what we’re trying to achieve.”
“There’s no real fear on my part about losing Joao. I’m really comfortable with the situation and I’m looking forward to working with him next season.”
Gary O’Neil’s comments on Joao Gomes will come as a relief to Wolves
Given what happened last summer, it will be hoped that Wolves can avoid having to give up some of their strongest assets this year to relieve financial pressures.
Signed for just £15m from Flamengo in January 2023, Gomes has shown his quality since arriving at Molineux, seamlessly fitting in as a player ready and capable of competing in the Premier League.
While it would be in Wolves’ best interests to keep hold of the Brazilian for footballing reasons, the club will surely be able to secure a significant profit for the 23-year-old eventually, who is destined to reach the top.