Nottingham Forest is preparing to make a substantial move for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha in the summer transfer window of 2025, contingent on their qualification for the Champions League. Following a productive season, where Cunha netted 13 goals in 26 Premier League matches, his performance has garnered significant attention from several top clubs.
Reportedly, Forest had their eye on Cunha earlier in the year during the January transfer window, where he emerged as a primary target for the club. According to Mail Sport, a deal fell through then, leading Cunha to sign a new contract with Wolves, which included a £62 million release clause. With Forest's current standing in the Premier League looking strong—sitting in third place, seven points clear of Newcastle in sixth—the prospects of securing Champions League football become an attractive proposition. This could also enhance the club's financial capabilities to support high-profile signings.
Arsenal is also interested in Cunha, with Andrea Berta, their incoming sporting director, reportedly determined to sign the Brazilian forward as part of their summer transfer strategy, which may include Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. They have a clear plan to boost their squad’s attacking options. However, Forest plans to trump their Premier League competition, which could include not just Arsenal, but also other major clubs like Chelsea and Tottenham, all of whom showed interest in Cunha earlier this year.
The mounting competition for Cunha serves to highlight his value, especially as he continues to demonstrate his scoring prowess. Forest is reportedly prepared to meet Cunha's release clause if they attain a spot in the Champions League, hoping to make a club-record signing exceeding the £35 million spent on Elliot Anderson, who was brought in last summer.
Despite his impressive contributions this season, Cunha’s career took a temporary setback after receiving a four-match suspension due to violent conduct in a recent FA Cup match against Bournemouth on March 1. His dismissal, which involved punching, kicking, and headbutting Bournemouth full-back Milos Kerkez, has cost him valuable playtime. Cunha took to Instagram to express his regret, stating, "In the end, another game where you guys did your best. I couldn’t lose my head at the end. Sorry." This unfortunate incident has caused him to miss two matches already, including Wolves’ recent draw against Everton and their win over Southampton. He will miss two additional games against West Ham and Ipswich after the international break before making his return against Tottenham on April 13, 2025.
Nottingham Forest’s ambitions are set against a backdrop of rising expectations and performance, particularly under the stewardship of manager Nuno Espirito Santo. The club's top-four position in the league marks a significant turnaround in fortunes, driving the club towards potential financial rewards from the Champions League. Should they secure that lucrative qualification, it's likely that Forest will look to leverage the new income for a significant investment in marquee players such as Cunha, aiming to boost their squad strength and competitiveness in the high-stakes environment of European football.
Cunha’s potential move is becoming more than just a transfer rumor; it reflects the rapid developments occurring at Nottingham Forest, a club keen on reclaiming its place among England’s elite while strengthening its attacking lineup. With reports indicating Arsenal’s serious interest, the race to secure Cunha has the makings of a thrilling summer transfer saga in the English Premier League.
As the transfer window approaches and with Forest's Champions League ambitions on the line, the club's board and management are no doubt strategizing their next moves. Whether Matheus Cunha becomes the club’s marquee signing remains a topic of speculation, but the coming months will be crucial in determining the future of both the player and Nottingham Forest in the top tier of English football.
The developments surrounding Cunha serve as a reminder of the intense competition that characterizes football's transfer market, especially as clubs look to bolster their sides with key players ahead of critical campaigns. This summer is set to witness a flurry of movement as teams like Nottingham Forest seize their moment and aim for glory in both domestic and European competitions.
