Transfer Centre

Arsenal to join race for Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 13 December 2022

Arsenal are reportedly contemplating whether to join the race to sign Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha, who is attracting interest from other Premier League clubs.

Arsenal have reportedly contemplating whether to join the race to sign Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha.

Mikel Arteta would have been satisfied with his attacking options heading into the World Cup break, Gabriel Jesus starting down the middle to help the Gunners open up a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

However, the Gunners were dealt a significant blow while Jesus was on international duty with Brazil, the 25-year-old suffering a knee injury which has required surgery.

As it stands, there is the prospect of the striker being sidelined for as long as three months, currently leaving Eddie Nketiah to be promoted as Arteta's primary option in that area of the pitch.

Reports have previously indicated, however, that the Spaniard will be provided with a transfer budget in the region of £50m to spend at the midway point of the campaign.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on October 16, 2022 © Reuters

While that was said to be earmarked for a new central midfielder and wide player, it appears that some of it could be allocated towards making a statement addition in the final third.

According to The Athletic, Arteta is giving consideration as to whether to request that club officials make a bid for Cunha.

The 23-year-old has found himself down the pecking order at Wanda Metropolitano during 2022-23, making just two starts in La Liga and the Champions League with a further 14 outings coming from the substitutes' bench.

With Atletico not participating in Europe during the second half of the campaign, sales and loan exits are expected, including that of the Brazil international.

New Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Julen Lopetegui on November 12, 2022. © Reuters

Amid reports that Wolverhampton Wanderers are in negotiations for Cunha and his teammate Felipe, newly-appointed head coach Julen Lopetegui has publicly acknowledged that he wants to sign the pair.

However, while The Athletic says that Cunha has a high level of admiration for Lopetegui, it remains to be seen whether he would choose a team sitting at the bottom of the table over one competing for the Premier League title.

Everton and Leeds United are also said to have emerged as potential destinations for Cunha as they bid to improve their own situation at the wrong end of the standings.

Although Cunha has over three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract, that is unlikely to hinder any departure at the beginning of the year.