Arsenal's Strategic Move: Edging Out Manchester United for Joao Gomes

• Key Takeaway One: Arsenal leads the race to sign Wolves' standout midfielder, Joao Gomes, dealing a blow to Manchester United.
• Key Takeaway Two: Gomes, valued at £24.2 million and under contract until 2028, has greatly impressed in the Premier League this season.
• Key Takeaway Three: Despite interest from top clubs, Gomes expressed a preference for Liverpool, citing a dream to play in the Champions League.

Arsenal have reportedly dealt Manchester United a major blow in the race to sign Joao Gomes. The 23-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to the 'big six' recently as he continues to impress for Wolves.

Gomes, who sees his contract at Molineux expire in 2028, has featured 27 times in the Premier League this season, helping Gary O'Neil's side steer clear of a relegation battle. His impressive performances since arriving from Flamengo in the summer have reportedly courted the interest of some top clubs.

In fact, according to the Brazilian publication O Dia, Arsenal have leapfrogged Manchester United in the race to sign the newly-capped Brazil international. The report states that the Gunners will look to begin talks with Wolves at the end of the season for Gomes' services.

While Mikel Arteta and Erik ten Hag are both reportedly chasing his signature, the £24.2million-rated Brazilian seems to prefer a move to Anfield instead. Speaking to ESPN in 2022, as quoted by the MailOnline, Gomes said: "Liverpool are a team I’d play for. I have the greatest desire to play. Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream in football."

Last month, the Wolves ace was given his senior debut for Brazil in their 1-0 win over England at Wembley. Gomes was one of only four outfield players who played the entire match, earning the approval of Micah Richards.

"We have to give a quick shoutout to Gomes of Wolves," said the former Manchester City defender on the Rest is Football podcast. "Oh my word, what a player he is by the way.

"I didn’t have the team-sheet and I didn’t have my glasses on and I was thinking, 'who’s this guy?' I couldn’t even see until I got my glasses on but Gomes, he is a player by the way. Obviously, we don’t get to see Wolves too much on TV.

"We see them on Match of the Day. Seeing him up close and personal, his touches, his anticipation when he’s winning the ball back and his weight of ball forward. Sorry Wolves fans, he’s going to the top that lad."

(First reported by: O Dia)