Arsenal are eyeing a couple of attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window as they aim to fight Liverpool for the Premier League title. One name to keep an eye out for is Wolves' Matheus Cunha.
The Gunners failed to sufficiently bolster their frontline in the summer after missing out on the Premier League title, with the form of Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz down the stretch perhaps convincing the club that additions weren't necessary.
After Benjamin Sesko opted to sign a new contract with RB Leipzig before Euro 2024, there was little movement on the attackers front until the club traded Reiss Nelson for Raheem Sterling late on in the window. Inspring.
Sterling, who's currently nursing a knee injury, has barely featured during his loan spell at the Emirates and Bukayo Saka's hamstring tear has only hastened the need for a couple of additions this winter.
Arsenal could look to add Wolves maverick Matheus Cunha to their ranks in January
Cunha has blossomed into Wolves' star man amid an underwhelming period for the club. Mismanagement at the top means the West Midlands club have failed to build on their early Premier League successes under Nuno Espirito Santo and it seemed as if they were sinking into the abyss under Gary O'Neil this term.
Vitor Pereira has since come in and had an immediate impact, with Cunha starring during Wolves' Boxing Day win over Manchester United. The maverick Brazilian scored - an 'Olimpico' no less - and assisted during their 2-0 win at Molineux.
Cunha's dazzling festive performance reminded a wider festive audience of his brilliance. A versatile performer once plagued by inefficiency at Atletico Madrid, the 25-year-old has shone while operating as Wolves' main man. He has 26 goals in 75 games since joining the club, including ten in the Premier League this season.
" "I hope not, I hope not because we need him.""Pereira on whether Cunha could leave
The Telegraph report that Cunha is on Arsenal's radar and has been for the past three seasons. However, if suitors do manifest in January, Wolves, given their situation towards the bottom of the Premier League table, will force clubs to pay a substantial fee.
If Arteta has taken a keen eye to Cunha, I'd be interested to know the role he envisages for him. The Brazilian has struggled as a out-and-out number nine throughout his career, operating best in a second striker function. He's player perhaps suited to playing in a two-man strike force or functioning as a number ten, but Cunha also have the talent to thrive from inside left positions and potentially out wide.
It's also worth noting that the Wolves star is facing a ban having been charged by the FA following his conduct after Ipswich Town's victory at Molineux on 14 December.