Arsenal Pursuing EPL-Proven Young Brazilian to Complete Midfield
Arsenal Eyeing Joao Gomes to Strengthen Midfield
Arsenal is focusing on bolstering their midfield this summer.
Their top priority is to find a suitable partner for Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.
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While Mikel Merino has been a top contender, there’s a new name in the mix: Wolves’ Joao Gomes.
Joao Gomes’ Impressive Stats
According to journalist Valentin Furlan, Joao Gomes has caught Arsenal’s attention in their search for an ideal midfielder.
At 22 years old, Gomes had an impressive season with Wolves. Although he didn’t grab headlines, his statistics were outstanding.
Playing mainly as a number 8, Gomes showed his defensive prowess.
FBREF statistics highlight Gomes’ ranking in the top 1% for tackles in the defensive third and top 3% for tackles won.
He’s also in the top 5% for tackles in the middle third, dribblers challenged, and tackles plus interceptions.
Additionally, he ranks in the top 16% for passes blocked and top 17% for overall blocks per 90 minutes.
These stats suggest he could fill the defensive role Granit Xhaka previously held.
Potential Impact on Arsenal’s Midfield
If Arsenal signs Gomes, it could mean shifting Rice to the number 6 position, allowing Gomes to play as an 8.
Despite Rice’s ability to play as a box-to-box midfielder, he’s often played as a 6, and continuing in that role could benefit the team.
The combination of Gomes, Rice, and Odegaard could create a formidable midfield, supported by Arsenal’s strong defense from last season.
Defensive Contributions and Versatility
Gomes’ defensive contributions were significant last season. He was among the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles.
Wolves’ average possession of 48.9% gave him plenty of opportunities to win the ball, and his ability to cover ground was impressive.
In the defensive, middle, and attacking thirds, Gomes ranked in the 99th, 97th, and 86th percentiles, respectively.
He also made 0.9 ball recoveries per 90 in the final third, the highest for Wolves and comparable to top players like Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister.
In summary, Joao Gomes could be a valuable addition to Arsenal’s midfield.
His defensive skills and versatility make him a strong candidate to complement Odegaard and Rice, potentially enhancing Arsenal’s chances in the upcoming season.