Key Points
- Arsenal are reportedly targeting Aston Villa and England attacker Morgan Rogers as a top summer target.
- The 23-year-old is said to be keen on the move, but any deal would likely require a significant fee.
- Wolves are taking time over a decision on right-back Pedro Lima, with Atletico Mineiro interested in a season-long loan that may include an option to buy.
- João Gomes’ proposed switch from Wolves to Atletico Madrid has reportedly stalled after earlier suggestions that the move was close.
- A fee of around €40m, or about £34.5m, had been discussed, but Atletico are reportedly reluctant to meet that price.
- Personal terms were previously understood to be in place for Gomes, while Atletico still want midfield reinforcements.
Arsenal (North London News) June 27, 2026 – are reportedly making Morgan Rogers their top target, while Wolves’ João Gomes move to Atletico Madrid has hit a stumbling block, according to reports carried by Talksport, Sky Sports and ESPN. The latest claims suggest Rogers is open to the switch, but Wolves are also weighing up decisions involving Pedro Lima and the future of their midfield, with Atletico unwilling to fully meet Wolves’ valuation for Gomes.
Why is Morgan Rogers Arsenal’s top target?
As reported by Talksport, Arsenal are interested in Aston Villa and England attacker Morgan Rogers, with the 23-year-old understood to be keen on the move. Rogers has impressed for Villa under Unai Emery and is also due to feature for England again, which underlines why he is attracting attention. Any transfer would likely depend on a substantial fee because Villa are not expected to let him go cheaply.
The report matters because Rogers is being viewed as a player who could add versatility and end product in attack. Arsenal’s interest also fits a pattern of clubs targeting young, Premier League-proven England players who can strengthen the squad immediately. There is no confirmed agreement, only interest at this stage.
What is happening with Pedro Lima?
Wolves are said to be taking their time before deciding what to do with right-back Pedro Lima. According to the report, Atletico Mineiro are interested in a season-long loan that could include an option to buy, but they are still waiting for Wolves’ response.
That suggests Wolves are not rushing into a decision and may want to assess both the player’s development and the structure of any deal.
The inclusion of an option to buy would give Atletico Mineiro a chance to take him permanently later, but the key point is that a final call has not yet been made.
Why has João Gomes’ move stalled?
João Gomes’ proposed transfer from Wolves to Atletico Madrid has reportedly become uncertain after earlier indications that the deal would go ahead.
Reports said a fee of around €40m, or £34.5m, had been discussed, and Gomes had previously been understood to have personal terms in place.
However, the latest information suggests Atletico do not want to pay that valuation despite still needing midfield reinforcements.
ESPN reported that Atletico had initially looked at Atalanta’s Éderson before turning their attention to Gomes, while Sky Sports and talkSPORT had both suggested the move was advancing before the latest hitch.
What have the reports said?
According to ESPN, Atletico Madrid were in advanced talks with Gomes and had reached a verbal agreement with the Brazil international, with the club prepared to spend €45m, or £39m, on the former Flamengo midfielder.
ESPN also noted that Gomes is under contract at Wolves until June 2030, which gives Wolves significant leverage in negotiations.
Sky Sports later reported that Atletico had agreed a £39m fee and that work was ongoing to complete the transfer, while Talksport said Atletico were close to a deal.
The newer reporting, though, indicates that progress has slowed because Atletico are not willing to meet the full asking price.
What does this mean for Wolves?
For Wolves, the situation means they may have to decide whether to hold firm on their valuation or negotiate a compromise.
Gomes has become an important player since joining from Flamengo in January 2023, and his contract running to 2030 strengthens Wolves’ position if they choose not to sell.
The club are also managing other squad decisions at the same time, including Pedro Lima’s future. That means Wolves could be trying to balance squad planning, player development and transfer income all in one window, which often makes deals harder to conclude quickly.
Background to the development
João Gomes first moved to Wolves from Flamengo in January 2023 and has since established himself as a key midfield figure.
The recent transfer chatter has built up because Atletico Madrid were looking to reinforce their midfield and Gomes emerged as one of their main targets after other options became more complicated.
At the same time, Arsenal have continued to monitor attack-minded players who can raise the level of their squad, which is why Rogers has entered the discussion.
The reports around both players reflect a wider summer pattern in which top clubs are looking for young, high-upside talent rather than short-term stopgaps.
Prediction for supporters
For Wolves supporters, the most likely short-term effect is continued uncertainty around Gomes and Pedro Lima rather than immediate clarity.
If Atletico do not raise their bid, Gomes could stay at Molineux, which would be important for squad stability, but the transfer talks may still drag on.
For Arsenal supporters, the Rogers links suggest the club are keeping options open, but there is still a long way to go before any deal is done.
If the interest develops into a formal bid, it could signal a serious attempt to add another Premier League-proven attacker, though Villa’s asking price will likely be central to whether the move progresses.
