Newcastle United have targeted a move for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.
The Brazilian has impressed in a rather drab Wolves side this season. The 25-year-old has scored 10 goals and bagged four assists in the Premier League so far this season and could add to that tally as they take on Arsenal on Saturday.
Cunha has transfer history with Newcastle which dates back to when Dan Ashworth was the club’s sporting director. Former club Atletico Madrid offered Cunha to Newcastle in 2022, but Ashworth and Toon boss Eddie Howe turned him down.
Two-and-a-half years later Cunha has made a name for himself in England after making a permanent move to Wolves in 2023. Newcastle were interested in Cunha ahead of the January transfer window, but it looked like a move would not happen as he was reportedly ready to sign a contract extension at Wolves.
However, Cunha’s contract talks stalled, and clubs have flocked to try and sign him. Arsenal and Newcastle still want Cunha and are now battling each other for his signature.
In the latest twist in Cunha’s transfer saga, Wolves boss Vitor Pereira has dropped a major update on his future.
Vitor Pereira confirms talks with Matheus Cunha amid exit links
Wolves boss Vitor Pereira has been thrown in at the deep end with Wolves fighting to stay in the Premier League. Cunha’s exit talks are sure to have made things much more difficult for him.
Reports suggested that Cunha wants to join Arsenal in January to play in the Champions League and fight for the Premier League title. Despite that, Pereira has gone on record to say that his player is “not for sale.”
Pereira took his pre-match press conference, which aired on Wolves’ website. He was asked if there had been any offers for Cunha amid the transfer speculation.
“I had a conversation with Cunha and he is very committed to the club”.
“He has never asked to leave the club.”
“He’s my player, I think he’s not for sale. This is the information I am getting from the club. He’s committed with us. What we need from him is that he plays from his level, committed to the team.
“It’s very important for us (that Cunha stays.)”
Newcastle want Cunha in the summer
With Newcastle eyeing a move for Cunha – Toon fans have already been given a taste of what to expect should he be signed.
The 25-year-old played in both games against the Magpies this season the first being in Newcastle’s 2-1 win at Molineux and the most recent being the 3-0 win at St James’ Park.
Cunha came off the bench for that game and came close to finding the net on several occasions. Thankfully for Newcastle, Martin Dubravka was on top form that game.
While Newcastle could be forced to move in January. Sporting director Paul Mitchell sees Cunha as a summer signing where they should have more freedom to spend after the current PSR deadline.
It is hard to see where Cunha would fit into Newcastle’s starting XI – he usually plays as an attacking midfielder at Wolves. He could be utilised as a right winger where he has previously played on occasion.
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