Manchester United are set to sign Wolves attacker Matheus Cunha, with terms to be finalised this week, GIVEMESPORT understands.
A full agreement is almost in place for the 25-year-old Brazilian, with Cunha intent on joining Manchester United even if they don't win the Europa League Final against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday.
Cunha 'Sold' on Manchester United Project
He has spoken directly with Ruben Amorim
Matheus Cunha
Cunha has been sold on the Manchester United project for quite some time, and has spoken directly with Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim.
GMS understands that United have made it clear to Cunha they view him as a number ten. Newcastle United also enquired, but in Eddie Howe's 4-3-3, Cunha would be competing against Joelinton in midfield, Antony Gordon and Harvey Barnes wide-left, or Alexsander Isak as a number nine.
Cunha's representatives also met new Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, who signed the Brazilian from Herta in 2021 and sold him to Wolves for around £34m. Arsenal are not expected to try and hijack United's impending deal, with Berta more inclined to sign a traditional nine and toucline-hugging left-winger.
Matheus Cunha Premier League Statistics 2024-25
United view the 'world-class' Cunha as a regular starter, and he is sold on the long-term project at Old Trafford, even though other clubs can already guarantee European football for next campaign.
Manchester United have yet to formally approach Wolves, but it's believed club-to-club talks will be routine due to Cunha's £62.5m release clause.
It remains to be seen whether United trigger this or match its ballpark and seek different payment terms. However, United insiders stress they are able to fund Cunha as soon as the season ends rather than waiting on outgoings first. Meanwhile, Wolves want a quick resolution and to use the funds to back Vitor Peirera in the market.
Cunha has 15 Premier League goals and six assists this season. No Brazilian has ever scored more league goals in a single season.
Liam Delap is Man United's 'Top' Striker Choice
Ipswich star waiting to see how season ends for suitors
Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap during a pre-match warm-up
United want two quick signings within the first weeks of the window, with a number nine the other priority area to strengthen in. Liam Delap remains the top choice, and has an active £30m clause now that Ipswich Town are down. However, the 22-year-old is waiting to see how the Europa League final, and race for Champions League spots unfolds. Chelsea also appreciate Delap as one of several options.
Delap has not gone quite as far as to tell clubs a lack of European football is a deal-breaker, but it's believed to be an important factor. This is because he wants to play in Europe in 2025/26 to boost his 2026 World Cup chances. A return to the north west is also of appeal to Delap, who started his career at Manchester City.
Delap is expected to make a fast decision on his future once the season ends before heading off to the Under-21 European Championship with England.
Viktor Gyokeres' statistics for Sporting this season
Manchester United also appreciate Viktor Gyokeres, who played under Ruben Amorim at Sporting, and face strong competition from Arsenal. Gyokeres, who has an incredible 53 goals in 51 appearances this season, is available this summer for about €70m, a full €30m below his release clause.
Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, who United tried for last summer, remains on the club's radar as well, but a move for Napoli's Victor Osimhen is not expected.
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All statistics according to Transfermarkt and SofaScore - correct as of 19-05-25.