Is Arsenal genuinely pursuing a deal for Matheus Cunha?

Speculation thrives during the January transfer window, and this year, few sagas have lingered as long as the rumored chase by Arsenal for Matheus Cunha.

The forward for Wolverhampton Wanderers has resurfaced as a potential target for the Gunners, yet fans are left wondering if a transfer is truly likely due to contradictory reports and unclear developments. Arsenal has had ties to Cunha previously. The Brazilian international was first noted by the club in late 2022 while he was at Atlético Madrid.

At that time, reports indicated Mikel Arteta was interested in acquiring a versatile forward to aid Arsenal’s burgeoning ambitions. As reported by AS at the time, Atlético were willing to transfer Cunha to help stabilize their finances, but Arsenal did not make a formal offer.

As of January 2023, Cunha had signed with Wolverhampton Wanderers on a loan that was subsequently converted into a permanent transfer for £43 million. Due to Arsenal’s evident indecision, they lost the chance to acquire him while also being connected to a number of other forwards.

Come January 2025, Arsenal finds itself once again associated with the 25-year-old.

Reports at the beginning of this month indicated that Arsenal had renewed their interest in Cunha and were engaged in advanced discussions. It was reported that personal terms had been settled with the player’s representatives, indicating a serious intent from the North London club.

Cunha possesses a blend of technical skill, creativity, and dynamism that corresponds with Arteta’s footballing philosophy, rendering him an ideal fit for a system that requires attacking fluidity.

Nonetheless, the tale rapidly changed direction in unforeseen ways. We underscored remarks from Cunha’s representative, who seemed to dampen the speculation. The agent told reporters informally, “Matheus is focused on Wolves and has no intention of leaving in this window.” Notwithstanding this, it was remarked that agents frequently keep their strategies secret during transfer discussions, enhancing the conviction that Arsenal could still be operating covertly.

The player’s talent and compatibility with Arteta’s system are beyond doubt, but the intricate negotiations, player dissatisfaction, and Wolves’ resolve to keep him render this saga frustrating, like most January transfers tend to be.