Transfer Centre

Julen Lopetegui confirms Wolverhampton Wanderers interest in Matheus Cunha, Felipe

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 08 December 2022

Lopetegui confirms Wolves interest in Cunha, Felipe

Head coach Julen Lopetegui confirms that Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in signing Atletico Madrid duo Matheus Cunha and Felipe.

Julen Lopetegui has confirmed that Wolverhampton Wanderers are attempting to sign Atletico Madrid duo Matheus Cunha and Felipe.

Last month, Lopetegui was appointed as the replacement for Bruno Lage, witnessing Wolves lose 2-0 to Arsenal before officially taking over the reins after that fixture.

Upon his unveiling to the media, Lopetegui acknowledged that Wolves would be looking to make several changes to the squad during the January transfer window.

Those claims have since been followed by speculation regarding approaches for each of Cunha and Felipe, who are each down the pecking order at Atletico.

Cunha has made just two starts in La Liga and the Champions League, a further 14 outings coming from the substitutes' bench, and it has been suggested that the Spanish giants are open to parting ways with the Brazil international.

Matheus Cunha celebrates scoring for Atletico Madrid in May 2022 © Reuters

The same applies to centre-back Felipe with the 33-year-old having been restricted to only three starts this campaign, all of which ended in defeats.

While rumours over their futures are expected to develop, Lopetegui has taken the opportunity to openly admit that Wolves are attempting to sign both players.

Speaking on Cadena Ser's El Larguero programme, the Spaniard said: "We have quite a few open options, at the moment we have nothing closed. If we can close them as soon as possible, better.

"Both Cunha and Felipe are options to sign in the January market, they are to our liking. The important thing is to create a good group."

Atletico Madrid's Felipe pictured in October 2020 © Reuters

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has previously stated that Wolves and Atletico have been in negotiations regarding 'a package deal' for the pair.

However, Cunha's value is far greater than that of Felipe, and it unclear whether Atletico would prefer to loan or sell the forward, who chipped in with six goals and six assists in 2021-22.

Atletico are scheduled to have less fixtures than previously anticipated after Christmas due to finishing bottom of their Champions League group, leaving them also without Europa League football.

Colchoneros CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin has acknowledged that they are also open to selling Joao Felix in the January transfer window, the preference seemingly being on discussing terms with Premier League clubs.