Arsenal could miss out on potential summer transfer target to huge Premier League rival

Arsenal look set to miss out on potential summer transfer target Matheus Cunha, with Manchester United emerging as the clear frontrunners for the Brazilian's signature.

There hasn't been all that much talk regarding a Gunners pursuit of the Wolves star, but there were reports of interest from the north London club in January as they hunted attacking reinforcements.

Cunha instead remained at Wolves to help their fight against relegation, although the new contract he at the start of the year has made it easier for him to leave the club. Interested parties can now trigger a £62.5m release clause to sign the Brazilian, and United have already started to make their move.

Manchester United leading race to sign Arsenal transfer target Matheus Cunha

Arsenal's new sporting director Andrea Berta oversaw Cunha's arrival at Atletico Madrid in 2021. The forward struggled under Diego Simeone but has been brilliant in the Premier League.

An array of clubs have been linked with the 25-year-old, who recently confirmed his desire to move on from Molineux this summer.

I was never enamoured with the Cunha links in January despite the player's distinct talent. He never felt like a Mikel Arteta signing, and Arsenal haven't appeared all that interested since the closure of the winter transfer window.

The Athletic report that Man Utd have held "positive contract talks" with the player over a potential summer move, with Ruben Amorim and the club's hierarchy keen to sign the mercurial samba star. Cunha certainly seems a better tactical fit for the Portuguese's 3-4-2-1 than Arteta's meticulous system which requires running in abundance and relentless application.

Supporters thus shouldn't be too displeased with United's move, especially given Cunha's disciplinary record this season.

Arsenal are bound to bolster in attack this summer, with a new number nine the priority. Berta is said to be prioritising a move for Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres, but Alexander Isak is the utopia. Benjamin Sesko was admired by the previous regime and could be on the move this summer. The club will also target more quality in wide areas, with Athletic Club's Nico Williams among the reported targets.

Success in the Champions League has placed transfer talk on the back burner, but it won't be long until the rumour mills are purring once more. A huge summer beckons in north London, and we hope we can enjoy it as European champions.

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