Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha, according to the Telegraph. Following Bukayo Saka’s recent hamstring injury, which will sideline him for about two months, the Gunners are expected to bolster their attacking options in the January transfer window.
A mid-season transfer for Cunha appears highly unlikely at this stage, as Wolves are currently embroiled in a relegation battle and will be reluctant to part ways with one of their key players. The 25-year-old has been a standout performer this season, bagging nine goals and three assists in 17 Premier League matches.
Cunha joined Wolves from La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid initially on loan in January 2023 and later on a permanent deal for a club-record €50 million. A move away from Molineux will only be triggered by a sizeable fee, considering how high Cunha’s stock has risen over the last 18 months. Capable of playing as a lone striker or off the left-hand side, the Brazilian’s versatility has made him invaluable to his current employers.
Arsenal could certainly benefit from having Cunha on their roster, especially as they aim to chase down current league leaders Liverpool during the second half of the season. Mikel Arteta’s side demonstrated their attacking prowess recently, having demolished Crystal Palace 5-1 at Selhurst Park. They will be riding high on confidence heading toward their upcoming fixture against Ipswich Town at the Emirates Stadium tomorrow.
With this backdrop, it’s no surprise Arsenal is pursuing Cunha; it’s about adapting and overcoming challenges faced with player injuries. The recent injury to Saka has left the Gunners vulnerable, and making strategic additions could help mitigate the potential impact.
Meanwhile, Wolves are coming off a significant victory over Manchester United, with Cunha contributing to the score sheet directly. The match, played on Boxing Day, saw Cunha scoring from direct corner—a rare feat for any player. This performance has only attracted more attention to him and potentially increased his market value.
Matheus Cunha, reflecting on his goal, said, "It's my first time! We are training a lot. I was shooting; we train to shoot!" This reflects his confidence and the training regime at the club under new manager Vitor Pereira.
While Arsenal may be eager to secure Cunha, Wolves’ circumstances add complexity to this possible transfer. A player of Cunha’s caliber is typically hard to part with, especially when his team is battling to avoid relegation. Reports indicate Wolves will be cautious about selling their star player before ensuring safety from relegation threats.
The current market dynamics have made transfers challenging during the winter window. Clubs often hesitate to let go of key players mid-season as they gear up for the latter part of the campaign. Arsenal will need to weigh the potential risks of pursuing Cunha, as Wolves are not inclined to engage or entertain negotiations lightly.
Arsenal will be closely monitoring the situation but should also prepare for alternatives should the pursuit of Cunha prove too challenging to realize. The next few weeks will be significant for both clubs as they navigate through the transfer window and handle on-field performances and challenges.
Looking forward, Wolves must prioritize maintaining morale and performance levels as they look to solidify their position above the relegation zone. Arsenal, on the other hand, needs to act decisively to build on their promising start to the season and maintain momentum.
There’s no doubt Cunha’s exceptional form has put him on the radar of clubs across Europe. His performances have not only improved as the season progresses, but they also hint at future potential. If both clubs manage their respective goals appropriately, particularly as the January transfer window approaches, it could be just the right time for discussions to arise.
With Arsenal hoping to strengthen their attack and Wolves simultaneously striving to stay afloat, the January transfer window is set to be interesting as teams assess their strategies moving forward. Consequently, it may not just be about individual talent, but also about football's unpredictable nature amid competitiveness.
