Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle may all be monitoring William Gomes. However, Porto manager Francesco Farioli has reportedly made his own position crystal clear behind the scenes.
The Brazilian winger continues to attract interest from several of Europe’s biggest clubs after his breakthrough season in Portugal.
Yet, according to the latest information from Correio da Manhã, Porto’s new manager has personally urged the club to resist that growing attention.
Farioli wants William Gomes kept
Correio da Manhã reports that Farioli has held discussions with Porto president André Villas-Boas. He has specifically requested that William Gomes remains at the club for next season.
The newspaper claims the Italian coach sees the 20-year-old as a unique player with enormous room for improvement, making him one of the squad members he is most determined to keep despite mounting transfer interest.
It also ties in with reports from earlier this week that William Gomes has no intention of forcing an exit this summer, with the Brazilian eager to spend at least one more season at Porto and experience Champions League football.
Porto already have an alternative sale in mind
The report also offers fresh insight into Porto’s internal planning. Rather than allowing William Gomes to leave if a significant bid arrives, the club could instead sanction the departure of Pepê. Pepê operates in the same position.
That possibility would allow Porto to generate income. At the same time, they can keep hold of the younger player Farioli believes has the greater long-term upside.
It is another indication that the Brazilian has moved into a different category inside the club following his performances last season.
Interest remains, but Porto’s stance has not changed
United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle, Atlético Madrid and Roma are all again mentioned as clubs keeping tabs on William Gomes. However, Correio da Manhã says Porto have still not received any official offers despite the continued speculation surrounding the winger.
The newspaper adds that the club would only consider negotiating for a figure close to the player’s €80m (£68.8m) release clause, a valuation that has so far discouraged interested clubs from making a formal move.
There is also a practical boost for Porto ahead of the new campaign. William Gomes will be available for the Portuguese Super Cup against Torreense. This is after he successfully had his suspension reduced from two matches to one by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. That one-match ban has already been served.
Taken together, the latest developments reinforce the picture emerging from Portugal. While Premier League interest continues to grow, Farioli’s priority is clearer as ever.
William Gomes is viewed as a cornerstone of Porto’s project, and the manager wants him staying exactly where he is.