Matheus Cunha to Arsenal transfer takes twist as Premier League rivals plot audacious bid

Nottingham Forest have entered the race for Matheus Cunha, with the Wolves star their top January transfer target.

Cunha has been a key player for Wolves this season, with his ten Premier League goals only bettered by seven players. The likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are all said to be interested in his services, but Forest have now emerged as a contender.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have enjoyed an outstanding campaign so far and currently sit third in the league, just six points behind top of the table Liverpool. And they are now looking to strengthen their squad in a bid to boost their chances of finishing in the top four.

A new striker is being targeted and the Daily Mail are reporting that Cunha is now top of the list after Forest had a £22million bid for Brentford star Yoane Wissa rejected. Wolves have been in talks with Cunha about a new deal, but those appear to have stalled.

It would be a major coup if Forest can convince Cunha to join given the interest from other clubs, but the fact they are in a strong position to reach the Champions League may well work in their favour.

News of Forest’s interest comes after Wolves boss Vitor Pereira criticised Cunha cut a frustrated figure throughout their 3-1 defeat to Chelsea on Monday.

When asked about Cunha’s reaction, Pereira suggested the speculation about his future had played a part. “This is something that cannot happen again, the frustration is the frustration, I understand everything, we need to be together,” Pereira said.

“And together we can fix the problems and stay in the Premier League, if we start to complain about this and that, with this it won’t work. He’s [Cunha] committed to Wolves, but when you start to listen to the other clubs, I think he’s human, the players start to be a little bit… It’s normal in football.

“He needs to put the mind in the target to increase his level. He comes from injury, it’s normal he’s not in the same level to help the team with his quality. He has a lot, the team needs him with good energy, not with frustration, he must slow down and put the mind in the right way.

“He’s a captain. He can be frustrated as he wants to win but everyone in the dressing room wants to win. I don’t like his body language. I understand it now, I won’t understand it next time.”

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