Napoli make Joao Gomes main midfield target

Napoli Joao Gomes transfer interest has intensified, with the Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder now described in Italy as the club’s “main target” ahead of the summer window.

Journalist Nicolò Ceccarini, writing for Tuttomercatoweb, reports that Napoli are finally making moves to reshape their midfield and have placed Gomes at the top of their shortlist. The interest is not new, but the tone of the latest update suggests concrete groundwork may now be underway.

Napoli sit third in Serie A, 11 points behind Inter Milan, and are expected to overhaul parts of their squad after an inconsistent title defence. Injuries and form dips have disrupted Antonio Conte’s plans, increasing the urgency for reinforcements.

Ceccarini states that Gomes is Napoli’s priority target in midfield as they prepare for the 2026 summer market. While no formal bid has been confirmed, the suggestion that the club are “making moves” indicates internal approval to pursue the deal.

Interest in Gomes has circulated since the January window. Earlier reports in Italy described a transfer as a potential summer inevitability, with Wolves valuing the 25-year-old at around €40 million.

Napoli’s renewed focus now appears more strategic than speculative.

From Wolves’ perspective, Gomes remains a key figure at Molineux. His energy, ball-winning ability and progressive carrying have made him central to their midfield structure. Losing him would require significant reinvestment.

Napoli’s position in the table and squad fatigue have forced a reassessment. Midfield depth has been a recurring issue, particularly during congested periods.

Having followed Wolves’ recent campaigns, Gomes’ development has been steady rather than explosive, but his consistency has elevated his profile across Europe. He fits the profile of a high-intensity midfielder suited to Serie A’s tactical demands.

However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions. Wolves are under no contractual pressure to sell, and the Premier League club would likely demand full market value if negotiations advance.

If Napoli are indeed accelerating plans, initial contact with Gomes’ representatives could emerge in the coming weeks before formal talks with Wolves. Much will depend on Wolves’ league position and internal planning for 2026/27. A concrete offer would clarify the situation, but for now, discussions appear to be at exploratory stage rather than advanced negotiation.

Is Gomes ready for a step into Serie A, or should Wolves resist unless Napoli meet full valuation?