Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League have been hindered by a recent dip in form. To rekindle their title bid, the Gunners may look to strengthen their squad in the upcoming January transfer window.
A key concern for Mikel Arteta has been the absence of a consistent striker. Despite rumors over the summer, Arsenal failed to sign a new attacking figure. The question now is whether Arteta will revisit his summer targets in January.
One such player is Matheus Cunha, the Wolverhampton Wanderers forward who has frequently been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Although Wolves are currently fighting relegation, Cunha has been one of the team’s standout performers. Despite the club’s poor form, the Brazilian international has scored five goals and provided two assists in just eleven Premier League appearances. Arsenal showed significant interest in Cunha last summer before he chose to join Wolves, with Manchester United also reportedly in the running for his signature.
Cunha’s recent performance against relegation-threatened Southampton further fueled transfer speculation. He scored and assisted in their crucial 2-0 win.
TalkSPORT pundit Jason Cundy praised Cunha, saying, “He set up [Pablo] Sarabia for the first goal, but his second, which turned out to be the winner, what a strike. This boy has got so much quality. With the ball at his feet, he travels at pace. Few players can match his pace with the ball. He will eventually leave Wolves, as he’ll be too good for them. He’s a top player.”
Matheus Cunha’s Playing Style
Cunha is a versatile forward, having played in several roles at Wolves. Premier League pundit Adrian Clarke described Cunha as “a roving centre-forward or a left-sided No. 10 in a 3-4-2-1 formation. His balanced ball-carrying ability is what scares defenders the most.”
Sky Sports previously referred to the £63 million-rated player as having “almost every key attribute – pace, power, and skill.”
Wolves manager Gary O’Neil commented: “At this moment, he is probably best as one of the support strikers rather than the main No. 9 who needs to stretch the line and always be a goal threat, because he wants to contribute more.”
While Cunha and Arsenal’s current striker Gabriel Jesus share similarities in their skill sets, Cunha seems to have a sharper edge in front of goal. This has reignited Arsenal’s interest in the Brazilian forward. His recent form, combined with Arsenal’s need for a proven goalscorer, suggests that a move in the January transfer window could be likely.
Whether Arsenal will act on their summer interest and make a formal offer for Cunha remains to be seen, but his impressive performances and reported desire for a bigger challenge have placed him back on their radar.
