Arsenal Reignite Interest in Matheus Cunha as January Transfer Window Approaches

Arsenal’s Premier League title aspirations have been dented by their recent slump in form. To reignite their championship challenge, the Gunners might look to bolster their squad during the upcoming January transfer window.

One area of concern for Mikel Arteta has been the lack of a prolific striker. Despite strong rumours throughout the summer, Arsenal failed to secure a new attacking focal point. The question now arises: will Arteta revisit some of his summer targets in the January window?

Enter Matheus Cunha, the Wolverhampton Wanderers forward who has been persistently linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.

While Wolverhampton Wanderers find themselves embroiled in a relegation battle, Cunha has been a bright spark for the club. Despite their poor run of form, the Brazilian international has amassed a respectable tally of five goals and two assists in just eleven Premier League appearances.

Last summer, Arsenal were heavily interested in signing Cunha before he eventually opted for Wolves. Manchester United were also reportedly in the race for the striker’s signature.

Cunha’s recent performance against relegation rivals Southampton further fuelled transfer talk. He not only scored a goal but also provided an assist in their crucial 2-0 victory.¹

TalkSPORT pundit Jason Cundy hailed Cunha’s talent, stating, “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. Ball at his feet, he travels at pace. There ain’t many players that can travel at the same pace with the ball at their feet. He will end up leaving Wolves. He’s going to end up being too good for them. He’s a top, top player.”

Matheus Cunha’s Playing Style

Cunha is a versatile forward who has been deployed in various roles at Wolves.² Premier League pundit Adrian Clarke, writing for the official league website, described Cunha as “a roving centre-forward or a left-sided No 10 in a 3-4-2-1 formation. From those areas, it is his beautifully-balanced ball carrying which frightens defenders most.”

Sky Sports, on the other hand, labelled the £63 million-rated player as “a player with almost every key attribute – pace, power and skill” last year.

The outlet quotes Wolves manager Gary O’Neil as saying: “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 be that guy who is always a goal threat. Because he wants to do more.”

While comparisons can be drawn between Cunha and Arsenal’s current striker Gabriel Jesus in terms of skillset, Cunha appears to possess a more clinical edge in front of goal.

This has potentially reignited Arsenal’s interest in the Brazilian forward. Cunha’s recent good form, coupled with Arsenal’s need for a proven goalscorer, suggests that a January transfer window swoop could be on the cards.

Whether Arsenal will revisit their summer interest and make a concrete move for Cunha remains to be seen. However, the striker’s impressive displays and reported desire for a bigger challenge have undoubtedly put him back on the Gunners’ radar.