Lyon have outbid Wolves for Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes but the Brazilian would prefer to join the Premier League outfit, according to French publication FootMercato.
While things on the pitch are hardly going to plan for Les Gones – audible groans ringing around the Stade OL following Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to relegation-threatened Strasbourg – at least Lyon’s prospects appear to be picking up off it.
December’s takeover by American businessman John Textor – also a co-owner at Crystal Palace – has given one of France’s biggest clubs the financial muscle they need to make a serious run at some of their more ambitious transfer targets.
Take Joao Gomes, for instance.
“He’s a player we’ve been watching for a year and a half,” admits Bruno Cheyrou, Lyon’s chief scout. “Before, the timing was not good. Financially, we could not go there.
“(But following the arrival of Textor), a window has opened, and we are trying to rush in. This player, I like him very much and it would be a dream to sign him.”
Wolves still hope to sign Joao Gomes of Flamengo despite Lyon interest
According to FootMercato, Lyon have not only offered 21-year-old Gomes a better pay-packet than the one up for grabs at Molineux. They are also willing to fork over £16.5 million to Copa Libertadores winners Flamengo. Wolves’ most recent offer, meanwhile, stands at £15 million.
But while Textor undoubtedly gives Lyon’s pulling power a timely boost, an eye-watering salary pales into relative insignificance compared to the lure of English football. At least, as far as Gomes is concerned.
FootMercato add that Lyon have reached a verbal agreement with Flamengo. But Gomes, who idolises Liverpool’s Thiago Alcantara, has already given his word to a Wolverhampton Wanderers side making steady progress under former Spain and Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui; opting for the Premier League over Ligue 1.
Lyon’s interest is an obstacle Wolves would rather have avoided, but even the biggest of hurdles can be overcome.
‘My big dream is the Premier League’
“I dream of playing in several European leagues,” Gomes tells Coluna do Fla. “But the Premier League is the one I watch the most, and is the most competitive.
“My big dream is to play in the Premier League and I hope to achieve it. God willing, everything will be fine.”
Wolves have already signed Matheus Cunha, Pablo Sarabia and Mario Lemina this month. In addition to Gomes, one of the most talented ball-winning enforcers in South America, Lopetegui is also hot on the heels of West Ham defender Craig Dawson.
Flamengo coach Vitor Pereira, meanwhile, already appears to be preparing for life without Gomes.
“A coach is a person who has to find solutions. I’ll try to find one,” Pereira admits. “The matter is over to the board. Our strategy is designed internally, and cannot be made public. It will be dealt with within the club.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
