Arsenal, Chelsea, and two other Premier League clubs have entered the race to sign Brazil international Matheus Cunha before the January transfer window closes.
The 25-year-old forward has been in impressive form this season, netting 10 goals after scoring 14 in his debut campaign following a £44 million move from Atletico Madrid.
Earlier this month, Cunha seemed poised to commit his future to Wolves with a new deal, but negotiations stalled amid mounting interest from other clubs.
Speculation about his future intensified when Wolves manager Vitor Pereira publicly criticized Cunha’s body language during a defeat at Stamford Bridge.
“I had this conversation in the dressing room,” Pereira revealed. “He can be frustrated because he wants to win, but everybody in the team wants to win.
I don’t like this body language. I want a captain who fights for the team. Next time, I will not understand.”
Fabrizio Romano reports that the relationship between Cunha and Wolves is now strained, increasing the likelihood of his departure. Arsenal, long-term admirers of the striker, are keen to bolster their attack following Gabriel Jesus’ season-ending injury.
With primary target Benjamin Sesko likely staying at RB Leipzig, Mikel Arteta’s side is intensifying efforts to sign Cunha.
When asked about the persistent rumors linking Arsenal to a new forward, Arteta said, “I love it! I understand it happens. I have enough work to do and try not to get distracted by it.”
Chelsea, too, have entered the race, needing reinforcements for their forward line. Despite Nicolas Jackson’s strong performances earlier this season, doubts remain about his consistency.
Meanwhile, Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku could be departing, leaving Chelsea short on options.
Nottingham Forest is also reportedly considering a bid. With their £22 million offer for Yoane Wissa likely to be rejected, Forest is looking to add competition for top scorer Chris Wood. Spurs, though interested, are viewed as outsiders in this increasingly heated transfer race.
With time running out before the window shuts, Matheus Cunha’s future remains uncertain, and the battle to secure his signature is intensifying.