Arsenal have joined the transfer race for Atletico Madrid striker Matheus Cunha ahead of the winter transfer window.
Matheus Cunha, 23, has been transfer-listed by Atletico Madrid after dropping out of the Champions League. The Brazil international arrived at Atletico Madrid from Hertha BSC in 2021 and, after a promising debut season where he registered seven goals and as many assists in 38 games across all formats, the 23-year-old is yet to break his duck this campaign.
Cunha has started only two of his 11 La Liga games for Atletico in the ongoing season, registering two assists. The striker’s potential availability in January has seen clubs such as Wolves, Leeds United and Aston Villa also show interest. The Premier League trio are already actively in talks with Cunha’s agents and representatives to discuss a possible move in January.
Wolves are reportedly the favourites to land Cunha, but Arsenal entering the mix could change the scenario.
Gabriel Jesus’ injury blow to Arsenal
Arsenal are five points clear at the top of the table, ahead of Manchester City after an incredible start to the 2022/23 campaign before the World Cup break. But they have been dealt with a big blow ahead of the season’s restart with Gabriel Jesus suffering a knee injury on World Cup duty with Brazil.
Jesus picked up a knee injury against Cameroon, and the Brazil international has since undergone successful surgery. He faces a spell of up to three months on the sidelines, leaving Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with Eddie Nketiah now as the only recognised striker in the squad.
Nketiah is set to deputise for the injured Jesus upon the resumption of the Premier League later this month, but Arteta knows he cannot solely rely on the English striker and needs options to compete in the Premier League, Europa League and the FA Cup.
Matheus Cunha wanted by the Gunners
In the wake of Jesus’ injury, Arsenal are set to dip in the upcoming January transfer window to find a replacement. Matheus Cunha has emerged as a target, with Atletico open to selling the struggling striker 15 months after acquiring his services from Hertha BSC.
Cunha is not a prolific goal-scorer, as evidenced by his club-career record so far, but his pressing, energy, link-up play and movement could potentially make him a smart addition to Arsenal’s attacking ranks. He would provide Arteta with options in the offensive department and compete with Nketiah for the No.9 position.
The Brazil international has endured a difficult season with Atletico and could be offloaded because the club needs to generate money after being eliminated from Europe. As Cunha has already garnered interest from other Premier League outfits, Arsenal must try finalising a deal as quickly as possible if they genuinely want him.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.