Personal terms between Atletico Madrid and the Wolves midfielder had been reportedly agreed upon last week.
However, a €40 million price tag for the Brazilian could prove too expensive for the Spanish giants, who secured the signing of Alejandro Grimaldo this week for around €25 million.
Joao Gomes was part of a desperately poor Wolves side last season, who were relegated with just 20 points.
Despite this, the 24-year-old was a clear shining light and is not short of admirers – Manchester United showed interest in the midfielder during the recent winter transfer window.
Galatasaray are also reported to be monitoring Gomes as his move to Atletico continues to stall.
A ‘Simeone player’
The profile of players wanted by Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone is no secret.
In a bid to find relentless workers willing to leave everything on the pitch, Joao Gomes fits this perfectly as he has shown in his three and a half years at Wolves.
With his tenacity and tireless work ethic, Gomes joined Wolves in January 2023 and instantly became a fan favourite as an all-action midfielder.
His ball-winning qualities are among the best in the Premier League – only James Garner (120) and Joao Palhina (110) made more tackles in the Premier League last season than Gomes (107).
While being limited in forward areas, progressive dribbling and skill come naturally to Gomes, who grew up in Rio de Janeiro.
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The next destination?
While Atletico and Wolves remain in a stalemate over the transfer fee, they remain the most likely clubs for Joao Gomes to join.
Crystal Palace were reported to hold an interest in the player – Palace’s sporting director Matt Hobbs (formerly at Wolves) was a key part of bringing Gomes to England in 2023.
Over in Serie A, Napoli looked likely to secure the Brazilian’s signature but faced the same issue as Atletico Madrid over the asking price set by Wolves.
Brazilian midfield counterpart Andre has committed to another season with Wolves, but Joao Gomes’ transfer away from Molineux will likely be a case of when and not if.
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