In the January transfer window, Napoli's interest in Wolves star Joao Gomes was quite clear.
The Italian side reached an agreement on personal terms with the player and his entourage. it was covered extensively sports witnessA summer move is being considered by the Partenopei.
Any deal in winter was always going to be complicated. Wolves had given up hope of remaining in the Premier League and had limited time to find a replacement.
It is believed that Rob Edwards' side will need €40m to convince a summer sale. Napoli were not going to give up that amount of money in the middle of the season and saw him as a summer target.
More background on the potential deal is now emerging. Today's Il Matino takes a closer look at Brazil.
Gomes' Wolves contract is causing concern
Naples-based newspaper – via arianapoliExplain that Antonio Conte was desperate for the midfielder in January. Napoli faced a midfield injury crisis and looked to the 25-year-old as a solution to the problem.
The Italian giants' interest in the player remains 'very strong' even on a summer deal. The midfielder is being closely monitored by Napoli, with sporting director Giovanni Manna showing a keen interest.
Gomes' contract at Wolves is likely to present a challenge. It will run until 2030, which could lead to increased demand from AdWords for a potential sale in the summer. It could also attract other suitors and dash Napoli's hopes.
Furthermore, Gomes would enjoy non-EU status in the current Napoli team. They signed two Brazilians in Alison Santos and Gioven in January.
Our take on Wolves' Joao Gomes to Napoli
Signing the midfielder would be a classic Napoli deal. The Partenopei have sniffed out opportunistic Premier League deals for the likes of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, David Gilmour and Scott McTominay over the past few seasons. All of them have performed well.
Gomes could be similar and Wolves' potential demotion could also help.
In such a situation, competition from other clubs could be harmful for Napoli. When it came to Zambo Anguilla, Gilmour and McTominay, the line up of contenders was much less frightening. It would be no surprise if Gomes is of interest to Atletico Madrid and Manchester United in the summer, as there have already been links.
Financially, Napoli will struggle to compete with those two clubs.
