Matheus Cunha is making headlines at Wolverhampton Wanderers following his impressive performance during the festive football fixtures, most noticeably against Manchester United. The 25-year-old forward has not only been pivotal for his team but is also garnering interest from top clubs such as Arsenal.
Wolves secured a commendable 2-0 victory against United on Boxing Day, marking it as one of their best performances this season. Cunha played a central role, netting his 10th goal of the Premier League season and providing an assist to Hwang Hee-chan for the second goal. His contributions have been instrumental as Wolves fight to improve their league standing after facing relegation threats earlier this season.
This upturn under new manager Vítor Pereira has rejuvenated the squad, with Cunha’s recent form being nothing short of spectacular. He has now scored 10 goals and provided four assists across 18 league appearances. Pereira himself has praised Cunha's importance, acknowledging his skills and leadership qualities. "I tell him during the game how good he is every time because he needs to hear it," Pereira said about the Brazilian forward.
Cunha’s time at Wolves has been eventful since his loan move from Atlético Madrid, which turned permanent for £44 million last summer. Initially viewed as struggling to meet high expectations following his record transfer, he has since emerged as the club’s talisman, steering Wolves out of the relegation mire.
Despite his recent successes, Cunha has not been free from controversy. Earlier this month, he was involved in an altercation with Ipswich Town’s security after Wolves' 2-1 loss, which led to charges of misconduct from the Football Association. Nevertheless, he has continued to feature prominently for his club, managing to score goals and produce assists during this period.
Interest from Arsenal adds another layer of complexity to Cunha’s future at Molineux. The Gunners are reportedly chasing attacking reinforcements following injuries to key players Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling. The Telegraph has noted Arsenal's monitoring of Cunha's development over the past three seasons. They join other Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, who are also rumored to be tracking his progress.
Cunha’s performances and skills have not gone unnoticed, and his potential departure from Wolves has caused concern among fans and club officials alike. TalkSPORT reported Wolves' commitment to preventing any January transfer, indicating the club's resolve to maintain their core talents as they aim to secure their safety in the league. “We promised Gary O’Neil back in November we would not sell him. We’re sticking to it,” noted club insiders.
The Brazilian forward expressed his feelings about his current situation, stating, “I feel so happy to be here.” His sentiments come just after the solid performances against major rivals, which provided not only points but also lifted team morale significantly.
Reflecting on his role following the win over United, Cunha elaborated on the work with Pereira, sharing, “It’s the energy when someone new arrives; they come with the dream to win.” His growing bond with the manager is evident, and the duo appears poised to push the club forward.
Fans have noticed the drastic change since Pereira took over, as Cunha highlighted the fresh zeal brought by the new coach. Suddenly, Wolves look revitalized. Cunha's consistent efforts have positioned him as the heart of Wolves’ attack, making his performances of ever-increasing value.
Even with the pressure of speculation surrounding his future, Cunha remains focused on his football, demonstrating tantalizing promise for the remainder of the season. His dual contributions of goal-scoring and team play were encapsulated perfectly when he scored directly from a corner kick against United, as per the coaching strategy discussed prior to the game. “We train these situations hard; we focus on them,” he added.
Those watching Cunha's progression cannot help but note the conversations around his potential moves, yet there's also the sense of unity among Wolves staff and fans. The narrative around Matheus Cunha showcases not just his skills as a player but his impact on the club during turbulent times.
With two more years left on his contract, the future looks bright for Cunha, but for now, his heart lies with Wolves. Even as speculation swirls around January transfers, he remains dedicated to continuing his breakthrough under Vítor Pereira, hungry for more successes with his teammates and fans cheering him on.
Only time will tell if the Gunners will make their move, but Cunha's priorities seem firmly within the confines of Molineux, where he is finally showcasing his true abilities and maturity as both player and leader.
