The January transfer window is always a fertile ground for speculation, and few sagas this year have dragged on as much as Arsenal’s rumoured pursuit of Matheus Cunha.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers forward has emerged as a possible target for the Gunners once again, but conflicting reports and cryptic developments have left fans questioning whether a move is genuinely on the cards.
Arsenal’s connection with Cunha is not new. The Brazilian international first appeared on the club’s radar in late 2022 during his time at Atlético Madrid.
Back then, reports suggested that Mikel Arteta was keen on signing a versatile forward who could support Arsenal’s growing ambitions. According to AS at the time, Atlético were prepared to offload Cunha to help balance their books, but Arsenal’s interest did not materialise into a formal bid.
By January 2023, Cunha had joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on an initial loan that later became a permanent deal worth £43 million. Arsenal’s apparent hesitation meant they missed out on him during a period when they were also linked with several other attackers.
Fast forward to January 2025, and Arsenal’s name is once again tied to the 25-year-old.
According to reports at the start of this month, Arsenal had reopened their interest in Cunha and were in advanced talks. Articles claimed personal terms had already been agreed with the player’s representatives, signalling serious intent from the North London club.
Cunha’s skillset—a mix of technical ability, creativity, and energy—aligns with Arteta’s footballing philosophy, making him an ideal candidate for a system that demands fluidity in attack.
However, the story quickly took unexpected turns. We highlighted comments from Cunha’s agent, who appeared to pour cold water on speculation. Speaking informally to reporters, the agent said, “Matheus is focused on Wolves and has no intention of leaving in this window.” Despite this, it was noted that agents often play their cards close to their chest during transfer negotiations, fuelling belief that Arsenal might still be working behind the scenes.
Another layer of intrigue was added just a few days later when we then reported on Cunha’s puzzling behaviour during a Wolves’ Premier League match. Cameras caught the forward in a heated exchange with Vitor Pereira, Wolves’ manager, as he appeared reluctant to leave the pitch when substituted. Some observers speculated that Cunha’s frustration stemmed from the ongoing transfer saga, though Wolves’ camp officially dismissed this as a misunderstanding.
Further complicating matters, The Athletic weighed in, reporting that Wolverhampton were determined to keep hold of Cunha in this window. The outlet claimed that Wolves viewed him as a key part of their relegation battle and were unwilling to entertain offers unless a significantly inflated bid arrived.
Arsenal, for their part, have been reluctant to meet Wolves’ valuation, especially considering their own financial constraints.
The latest update came when follow-ups suggested that Arsenal had begun looking at alternative targets. A source close to the club hinted that while Cunha remains on the shortlist, Wolves’ unwillingness to negotiate has forced Arsenal to reconsider their priorities. For now, it seems the Gunners’ focus has shifted elsewhere, though the possibility of a late-window move cannot be ruled out entirely.
With a week left in the transfer window, Arsenal’s intentions regarding Matheus Cunha remain unclear.
While the player’s talent and fit with Arteta’s system are undeniable, the complex web of negotiations, player unrest, and Wolves’ determination to retain him make this saga a frustrating one, as most January moves tend to be.
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