Atletico Madrid are wasting no time in their preparations for the next transfer window, with midfield reinforcements emerging as a top priority for Diego Simeone. The Spanish giants have set their sights on Wolverhampton Wanderers' midfield engine, João Gomes.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Atletico have made significant progress in their pursuit, with talks through intermediaries bringing them close to a deal worth approximately £38 million (€45 million). The potential move comes as Wolves face the harsh reality of relegation to the Championship, a drop that has already been confirmed and is expected to trigger a fire sale of key players to balance the books.

Gomes, a product of Flamengo's famed youth academy, arrived at Molineux during the 2022/23 season and quickly cemented his place as a vital cog in the Wolves midfield. In his time in England, the 25-year-old Brazilian has racked up 128 appearances, contributing eight goals and six assists. His tenacity and box-to-box energy have drawn comparisons to some of the Premier League's best midfield enforcers.

Interestingly, Gomes was previously linked with a move to Manchester United, but that deal never came to fruition. Now, Atletico appear to have stolen a march on their rivals, with Simeone eager to inject fresh legs and grit into his midfield as he plots a return to La Liga glory. For fans of the beautiful game, this could be one of the summer's most intriguing moves—and a reminder that even in the age of big-money transfers, a little Brazilian flair can still go a long way.