Arsenal 'move ahead of Manchester United in race to sign £40m-rated midfielder'... with the Brazil international starring at a rival Premier League club

Arsenal have reportedly moved ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes.

The 23-year-old has impressed for Gary O'Neil's side in his first full season at the club.

Gomes has made 42 appearances in total for Wolves since joining in a £15million move in January last year from Flamengo.

He has started 25 matches in the Premier League this season, with Gomes' impressive form leading to a call-up to the Brazilian national team.

Gomes made his international debut at Wembley against England last month, before featuring against Spain in their second match of the international break.

According to O Dia, Arsenal have moved ahead of Man United in the race to sign Gomes in the summer transfer window.

The Gunners will reportedly seek to enter negotiations with Wolves this summer for the midfielder, who is contracted to Wolves until 2028.

Reports last month claimed Man United were viewing Gomes as a potential successor for Casemiro, with a fee of £40m touted.

Gomes has been nominated for the Premier League player of the month award for February, after impressive performances against Arsenal's London rivals.

The midfielder was key to Wolves 4-2 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, before scoring twice to secure a 2-1 victory at Tottenham.

Gomes' brace at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are his only Premier League goals this season.