Wolves manager Vitor Pereira publicly criticized Matheus Cunha following their defeat to Chelsea, intensifying speculation about the forward’s future. Cunha, who has been a standout performer for the struggling Premier League side, had reportedly agreed to extend his stay at Wolves earlier this month.
However, negotiations have since hit a snag, with Arsenal reportedly eyeing the Brazilian to bolster their injury-depleted squad before the transfer window closes.
Cunha’s performance at Stamford Bridge drew sharp remarks from Pereira. “I had this conversation in the dressing room,” the manager 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 runs, fights, and suffers with the team. Next time, I will not tolerate it.” Pereira also addressed Cunha’s behavior after the match, stating, “Walking straight down the tunnel cannot happen again.”
When asked if transfer speculation was affecting Cunha, Pereira admitted, “It’s human for players to get distracted. It’s normal in football.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s title ambitions have been hit by a slew of injuries, including key players Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Ethan Nwaneri.
With limited options, Mikel Arteta has been forced into makeshift solutions, such as deploying Kieran Tierney as an emergency winger during their win over Tottenham.
Liverpool, on the other hand, showcased their squad depth as substitute Darwin Nunez secured a late winner against Brentford. Arteta hinted at the disparity in resources between Arsenal and their rivals, saying, “Liverpool’s subs changed the game.
On our side, it was the opposite. Physically drained, we struggled to find that last gear against Aston Villa.”
With Arsenal desperate for reinforcements, Cunha’s name remains prominent in transfer discussions, adding more intrigue as the clock ticks toward the January deadline.