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Arsenal's chances of signing Wolves forward Matheus Cunha in January look slim with the Brazilian edging closer to extending his stay at Molineux.
It's no secret that the Gunners require attacking reinforcements this month, and their injury woes worsened during Saturday's 1-1 draw at Brighton as Ethan Nwaneri sustained a muscle injury. The teenager had been included in Mikel Arteta's starting XI for back-to-back outings with the boss aiming to mitigate Bukayo Saka's absence due to a hamstring tear.
More dropped points means Arsenal are poised to fall further back in the Premier League title race.
Thus, any January additions may be arriving too late to salvage their league campaign. Nevertheless, Arteta's men are set to compete on multiple fronts during the second half of the season. High-quality forwards are needed, and Cunha has emerged as a potential target.
Arsenal transfer target Matheus Cunha on verge of Wolves contract extension
🚨🟠 Wolves have agreed on new deal with Matheus Cunha! Deal verbally in place for Brazilian star to extend the contract with salary improved.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 4, 2025
Despite interest from several clubs, Cunha’s set to sign as soon as official documents are checked/approved.
Almost there. 🐺🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/JzOsyMqI7S
Reports broke at the start of the window of Arsenal's reported interest in the Wolves forward, but the Brazilian now looks set to sign a new contract at Molineux.
The maverick performer is enjoying a superb 2024/25 campaign and is absolutely criticial to Wolves' survival hopes. They'd have a right to demand an extortionate fee for his services this month.
In a bid to fend off interest, with other Premier League clubs also lurking, Wolves have been proactive and agreed a contract extension with Cunha. Fabrizio Romano reports that a verbal agreement is in place between club and player.
The former Atletico Madrid man is set to receive a healthy salary increase as part of the new deal, and the Telegraph write that confirmation could arrive within a couple of weeks. Cunha is currently serving a two-game ban because of his post-match antics during Wolves' 2-1 defeat to Ipswich in December.
Cunha's likely unavailability this month is a blow for the Gunners, but I had questions over the Brazilian's tactical viability. While a tremendous player, I didn't think Cunha was a profile the Gunners particularly needed.
Cover for Saka must be addressed before the deadline arrives, and although January is a tough time to conduct business, Arsenal have to be aggressive in the market to ensure their squad is well stocked to compete until the last this term.