Latest developments
- Arsenal are said to be tracking Wolves striker Matheus Cunha.
- The Brazilian has already been linked to the Gunners' rivals, Tottenham Hotspur.
- Cunha has 10 goal involvements for struggling Wolves this season.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): Initial talks held
Linked with Tottenham last week, Cunha could be the subject of an off-field battle between Spurs and their North London rivals Arsenal this January, as the Gunners are said to have held initial talks regarding the Brazilian's availability.
Caughtoffside.com has said these first steps have been made by Arsenal, though they remain quiet on their sources.
Value (3.5/5): Wolves hungry for fat cheque
Another couple of poor results of late will make Wolves even more desperate to keep hold of a player who has scored seven times in the Premier League this season, and was integral to their only two wins of the campaign so far.
He arrived at Molineux for £45 million in 2023 and is under contract until 2027, so Wolves will be expecting a good deal more than that if Cunha is going to leave.
Suitability (4/5): Premier League-quality striker
The Brazilian international has proven he is quite capable of leading the line for struggling Premier League sides, after taking time to bed in in England. It's not always a guarantee, but surely he can, therefore, do a top job for a more productive side?
He can also play in behind another striker, as he has done this term, plus has experience on both wings, adding versatility to Mikel Arteta's forward line.
Upgrade? (4/5): Out-gunning the Gunners
Seven league goals in 2024/25 is something Arsenal players can only dream of – their highest scorers in Premier League matches are Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz with five apiece.
Debate will continue about whether Havertz and Gabriel Jesus should be playing as centre-forwards, and Cunha's arrival could see them move further back or out wide, though you could argue Cunha is better as a number 10 than a number nine.
Logic (3.5/5): Cunha wants return to the top
A former Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig player, 25-year-old Cunha will want a return to the top end of the table, rather than fight relegation.
With Man Utd, Newcastle, Aston Villa plus Serie A clubs reportedly interested, too, Arsenal might be forced into a bidding war, and might be better off going all in for Alexander Isak, the out-and-out centre-forward they have been crying out for.
Whisper+ verdict: 18/25
It would not be at all surprising if the initial talks were held, but we can only see Arsenal putting a bid in if they miss out on Isak, even if they would love to swoop in and deny Tottenham!
