Matheus Cunha has been one of the standout performers for Wolverhampton Wanderers since joining the club, and his impressive displays have not gone unnoticed by some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs. Both Arsenal and Manchester United have shown a keen interest in the Brazilian forward, with speculation growing about a potential transfer in the January window. However, it seems that any hopes of luring Cunha away from Molineux have been dashed. Multiple reports suggest that the 25-year-old is on the verge of agreeing to a new, long-term contract with Wolves, which would keep him at the club for the foreseeable future. This news comes as a blow to the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United, who were hoping to strengthen their attacking options by securing Matheus Cunha’s services.
In this article, we take a closer look at Matheus Cunha’s rise at Wolves, his impact on the team, and the implications of his new contract extension for both his current club and the Premier League’s top clubs.
Matheus Cunha’s Impact at Wolves
A Troubling Start Turned Success
Matheus Cunha’s journey to Wolverhampton Wanderers began in the winter of 2022, during a period of crisis for the club. The team was languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table, and their survival in the top-flight seemed increasingly uncertain. At that point, Matheus Cunha was brought in on loan from Atlético Madrid to help provide a spark and boost the club’s attacking options.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Matheus Cunha quickly made an impact, demonstrating his skill, pace, and versatility in the forward positions. His ability to play as a striker or in a wider attacking role was exactly what Wolves needed as they sought to improve their offensive output. Cunha’s contribution helped steer the team away from relegation, with the Brazilian showing flashes of brilliance in the second half of the season.
By the end of the 2022/23 campaign, Wolves had secured Premier League safety, and Matheus Cunha’s loan move was made permanent in a deal worth £44 million. The investment seemed risky at the time, but it quickly paid off as Cunha proved himself to be a key player for the club.
A Strong Debut Season in England
In his first full season at Wolves, Matheus Cunha continued to impress. With 12 Premier League goals in the 2023/24 season, the Brazilian forward was one of the standout players for the club. His tally of 12 goals was not only an excellent return for a player who was still settling into English football, but it also put him in the same conversation as some of the Premier League’s top attacking talents. For comparison, Cunha’s goal tally was higher than that of Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez, a player many consider one of the best young forwards in the league.
Matheus Cunha’s performances earned him widespread recognition, and it wasn’t long before the top clubs in England started to take notice. Arsenal and Manchester United, both of whom were looking to strengthen their attacking options, reportedly made inquiries into Matheus Cunha’s availability. His ability to play across the front line, combined with his technical skills and physical presence, made him an attractive option for both clubs.
A Challenging Season Amid Wolves’ Struggles
However, despite Matheus Cunha’s individual brilliance, Wolves have faced a challenging start to the 2024/25 season. Despite Cunha’s best efforts, the club has struggled collectively and remains near the bottom of the Premier League table. Their inconsistency has put them in a difficult position, and manager Vitor Pereira’s arrival has done little to turn things around as of yet.
Nonetheless, Cunha’s performances have remained strong, and he continues to be one of the most vital players in the team. His importance to the squad was made clear by Pereira himself, who expressed that he would not be willing to sell Cunha during Wolves’ fight for survival. “We need him,” the Portuguese manager said in December 2024, indicating that Cunha would play a crucial role in the club’s battle to avoid relegation.
Arsenal & Manchester United’s Interest in Cunha
Arsenal’s Pursuit of a Versatile Forward
Arsenal’s interest in Matheus Cunha can be traced back to their desire to add depth and versatility to their forward line. With the club involved in multiple competitions this season, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League, Mikel Arteta was looking to strengthen his attacking options. Cunha’s ability to play both as a central striker and in wider positions made him a particularly appealing option for Arteta, who values players capable of adapting to different attacking roles.
Cunha’s strong work ethic, technical ability, and understanding of how to link up play also fit well with Arteta’s tactical system. Arsenal had been hoping to secure the Brazilian’s services in January, but reports now suggest that any move is unlikely as Cunha nears a contract extension with Wolves.
Manchester United’s Need for Firepower
Manchester United, too, had been monitoring Cunha’s progress and reportedly showed interest in signing him during the winter transfer window. United’s attacking options have been somewhat inconsistent this season, and with the club aiming to challenge for the top four, a player like Cunha could have added some much-needed firepower.
Cunha’s ability to play across the front line made him an ideal target for Erik ten Hag, who has often rotated his forward options to keep the attack fluid and dynamic. However, just like Arsenal, United’s hopes of securing Cunha have been dashed by the news of his impending contract extension at Wolves.
The Challenge of Securing Cunha’s Services
Both Arsenal and Manchester United had hoped to land Cunha in January, but those plans now appear to have been thwarted. As reports confirm that Cunha is set to agree to a new long-term contract with Wolves, it seems that the Brazilian forward will not be leaving Molineux anytime soon.
While the new contract will certainly be a significant boost for Wolves, there is a catch. According to reports, Cunha’s new deal will include a relegation break clause, which could allow rival clubs to trigger an exit clause for the forward in the event of Wolves being relegated. While the exact fee for this clause remains undisclosed, it could be a key factor in determining Cunha’s future should Wolves find themselves in the Championship.
The Contract Extension and Its Implications
Cunha’s Future at Wolves
It seems that Matheus Cunha is committed to the long-term future at Wolves, as he has verbally agreed to a contract extension. The new deal will reportedly include a salary increase, reflecting Cunha’s growing importance to the team. However, as the club remains in a precarious position near the relegation zone, the addition of the relegation clause suggests that Cunha’s future is still uncertain in the long term.
Wolves will be hoping that the new contract extension will help to stabilize the squad and provide a sense of security for their key players. If they can secure their Premier League status by the end of the season, Cunha’s future at the club could be even more promising. On the other hand, if Wolves are relegated, the break clause could offer Cunha an opportunity to pursue a move to a club in a higher division, potentially opening the door for Arsenal or Manchester United to make a move.
Impact on Arsenal and Manchester United
For Arsenal and Manchester United, the news of Cunha’s contract extension is a significant setback. Both clubs had been keen on acquiring the Brazilian, but they will now have to turn their attention elsewhere. Given that the relegation clause could allow Cunha to leave Wolves if they go down, the situation remains fluid. However, it seems that both Arsenal and United will need to explore other options if they wish to bolster their attacking ranks in the near future.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Matheus Cunha
Matheus Cunha’s decision to stay at Wolves for the foreseeable future is a testament to his commitment to the club, even amidst the ongoing struggles at Molineux. His contract extension, complete with a relegation break clause, means that his future is still somewhat uncertain, but for now, Cunha is focused on helping Wolves avoid relegation and secure their Premier League status.
For Arsenal and Manchester United, this news represents a missed opportunity to sign a talented and versatile forward. However, with the January transfer window still open, both clubs will likely turn their attention to other targets in their search for attacking reinforcements. As for Cunha, his immediate future lies at Wolves, but the coming months will be critical in determining whether he remains at the club for the long term or seeks a new challenge in the summer.
In the end, Matheus Cunha’s decision to remain with Wolves for now may have disappointed his suitors, but it also reflects his dedication to the club that helped him establish himself in the Premier League. With a relegation clause in place, his future remains uncertain, and the next few months will prove pivotal in determining where he plays his football in the coming years.
