In a worrying season for Wolves, the club's one shining light has been Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha. Now, the Wanderers' star asset is being eyed by a multitude of top clubs, with a few potential suitors lining up a move for the player this January.
Having joined in the January window of 2022/23 himself, Cunha is now reportedly seeking a move away from Molineux, after comments from new manager Vitor Pereira this week suggested that all is not well with the striker.
The Portuguese head coach said that he was dissatisfied with Cunha's body language after their 3-1 defeat to Chelsea, highlighting that all the players need to be in their relegation battle together and that they must adhere to his standards.
However, having scored 10 goals and made four assists this campaign, one can understand Cunha's frustration at his teammates. The technical Brazilian has been at the heart of everything good Wolves have produced, as he is comfortably their top scorer, as well as sitting second in the assist chart.
With the club only out of the relegation zone on goal difference, it would appear likely that Cunha will leave in this window. This possibility seems even more feasible when considering the fact Wolves have tabled a new deal for the 25-year-old, but he has yet to agree to any terms.
Now, priced at 6/4, it is Arsenal who are leading the way to secure his services.
Current favourites
Arsenal – 6/4
With Gabriel Jesus injured for the rest of the season, and eight-goal striker Kai Havertz deemed not effective enough, Arsenal are now on the hunt for a new permanent number 9. The Gunners have often struggled to create chances from open play this season, with a lot of criticism arising from their over-reliance on corners.
A player of Cunha's ilk who registers 57.5 touches per 90 minutes and 1.31 shots on target per match should exactly fit the bill for the type of player Mikel Arteta would want to add to his squad.
In spite of the fact Wolves have managed to accrue only a meagre 16 points this season, Cunha is still joint ninth for most goal contributions, having registered the same as Ollie Watkins and only one less than Bukayo Saka.
This mightily impressive output is exactly what Arsenal have been missing this season, which could tempt the club's hierarchy to splash out on the Brazilian. £60 million is the alleged asking price to allow Cunha to leave in January, as an exit could be catastrophic for Wolves' survival push.
However, priced at 6/4, it seems that Arsenal have a fairly decent chance of getting the forward to put pen to paper on a deal. Bettors should act now before a formal bid is submitted.
Man United – 9/2
Another destination that has been discussed for Cunha is Old Trafford, with new manager Ruben Amorim looking to overhaul the current squad, as he has deemed a multitude of players as either surplus to requirements or below the necessary standard.
Manchester United have struggled for goals in general this season, finding the net only 27 times in 22 matches, less than Wolves themselves.
With Alejandro Garnacho reportedly on his way to Chelsea this January, the Portuguese manager will need to find a replacement, and Cunha could act as the perfect creative outlet to slot into his 3-4-3 system.
1.86 chances created per 90 minutes and a deceptively high cross accuracy of 23.6%, which is higher than more than 63% of the league's forwards, Cunha has the creative attributes required to establish himself in Amorim's starting lineup, and thus make a name for himself at Old Trafford.
The only real barrier stopping this move would be money, as the club spent a whopping £600 million on transfers during Erik ten Hag's reign, most of whom now have a transfer value well below what was paid for them. Thus, Financial Fair Play regulations will need to be considered.
That being said, bookies still price Man United at 9/2 to sign the Brazilian, and so punters may want to pick them as a dark horse destination for the Wolves marksman.
Lifelong Ipswich Town supporter who recently graduated from Durham University in French and German. Have developed a passion for European football based on my links abroad and am an avid supporter of Werder Bremen and Auxerre. Joined the MFT team in October 2024 and looking to take my first steps into the world of football journalism.
