Matheus Cunha Wolves
Wolves
Liverpool have been keeping tabs on Wolves forward Matheus Cunha but now, as per a fresh report by Football Insider (as quoted), Arsenal are ready to challenge Arne Slot’s side in this transfer race.
Cunha signed a new contract with Wolves in February but the striker has made his long-term ambitions very clear. He’s happy that Wolves will be staying in the Premier League for another season but the Brazilian international wants to take the next step in his career.
He admitted in a recent interview: “Now, we’re close to achieving our goal [of staying up]. But I’ve made it clear that I need to take the next step. I want to fight for titles, for big things. I have potential.”
This statement has activated all the interested clubs and even the Gunners are going to step up their pursuit. Arsenal’s new transfer chief, Andrea Berta had signed Matheus Cunha for Atletico Madrid from Hertha Berlin in 2021 and he now wants to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.
Is Matheus Cunha worth €74 million?
His new contract has a release clause and for someone who has scored 29 goals in 65 appearances for Wolves, paying around €74 million should not be a problem.
The Brazilian had ended the previous season with 22 goal contributions in all competitions and he’s backed it up with 19 G/A in 29 appearances so far. In 26 PL matches this season, Matheus Cunha has an xG of 6.72 plus he’s also created 44 major chances.
Cunha’s versatility is also a major asset because he might be an out-and-out striker but the 25-year-old can also play as a second-striker and as a left-winger. Paying €74 million should not be a big stumbling block for either of the two interested clubs because his current market value is €55 million and his new contract runs until 2029.
Will Arsenal be able to jump over Liverpool in this transfer race?
On paper it will be very hard for Arsenal to convince Matheus Cunha to snub Liverpool but the only saving grace for the Gunners is that Cunha is not Slot’s priority target.
The Anfield outfit are currently trying to work out deals for top strikers like Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres. Only when Liverpool fail to land such big names will they shift their focus to Matheus Cunha but Arsenal can use this opportunity to strike a deal with the 25-year-old.
Cunha is ready for a fresh challenge next season and instead of spending €110-120 million on an Isak, it will make a lot more sense if Arsenal were to bring Matheus Cunha on board.
Even if Arsenal bring in a second centre-forward in the summer, Cunha can easily play in the link role and if and when needed, he can also fill in on the left-hand side.