Manchester United and Arsenal may not get their hands on one of their mutual targets this January, but it could be a different story at the end of the season.
Both clubs have been credited with interest in Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, who has already hit double figures in the Premier League this term. His sparkling form opened up the possibility of Wolves losing their star forward midway through a vital campaign in which they are battling relegation.
But in a major boost for manager Vitor Pereira, The Telegraph claim that Cunha is on the verge of signing a new contract. Wolves are reportedly in ‘advanced talks’ with the Brazilian’s entourage over a lucrative extension which would secure his future at Molineux – at least in the short-term.
The renewal is set to include a release clause which would become active if Wolves are relegated. Pereira appears to have turned things around in his short time at the club, but they are still only one point above the drop zone.
With Cunha in their crosshairs, United and Arsenal may now wish to see Wolves finish in the bottom-three, given it would drastically improve their chances of signing the 25-year-old this summer.
Wolves spent a massive £44million to sign Cunha from Atletico Madrid in 2023, making him the most expensive signing in their history. They would naturally demand a hefty profit on that sum if they manage to stay up.
Demotion to the second tier would see Wolves’ leverage plummet, and although the exact value of Cunha’s slated release clause is unclear, it would almost certainly be set at a price which attracts significant interest.
Cunha gained experience in Switzerland, Germany and Spain before landing in the Premier League. His CV is further enhanced by a handful of caps for the Brazilian national team, having made his debut in 2021.
While Arsenal are chasing Liverpool in the Premier League title race, United are hoping to avoid being dragged into a relegation fight alongside Cunha and his Wolves team-mates. Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim believes he cannot afford to be complacent.
“I think that it is a possibility,” he said. “We have to be clear with our fans. The team is not improving. It is a little bit lost in this moment and it is a bit embarrassing to be Manchester United coach and lose a lot of games. I think people are tired of excuses at this club. This club needs a shock.”
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