Arsenal and Chelsea were among the clubs offered the chance to sign Matheus Cunha, with the London duo rejecting the opportunity.
According to Evening Standard, Arsenal and Chelsea were offered the chance to sign Matheus Cunha but rejected the opportunity. Both London clubs remain linked with strikers, but the Brazilian is set to join Wolverhampton Wanderers in a loan deal with an obligation to buy.
Atletico Madrid have found some respite from their financial problems before the January window, having made an excellent sale before the window opened. Matheus Cunha will join Wolverhampton Wanderers on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy for around £35 million.
It is a good deal from Atletico Madrid’s perspective, but there are question marks over his ability to shine in the Premier League. Wolves need goals and a goalscorer, but Cunha only has two strikes this season. The Midlands outfit committing to a huge deal has a big element of risk.
Maybe that is why a host of English clubs rejected the chance to sign Cunha when he got offered during the World Cup. Chelsea were among the teams given the opportunity to sign the Premier League-bound striker, along with Arsenal.
The London clubs are in the market for a new striker following injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Armando Broja. It may appear both clubs wanted a different direction than signing Cunha. Chelsea have already tied up a deal for Molde star David Datro Fofana, although they remain linked with high-profile names like Dusan Vlahovic.
Chelsea want a new striker to come in and become the first-choice starter. Graham Potter only has underperforming duo Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Kai Havertz as options. The Blues know they cannot rely on them for the larger part of the season, so they are looking for a new frontman.
Arsenal, meanwhile, continue to ponder over bringing a replacement striker for the injured Jesus. The Brazilian forward will miss around three months of action after undergoing surgery on his knee. The Gunners are again linked with Vlahovic, while Memphis Depay’s name is also thrown in the mix.
According to widespread reports, Mikel Arteta is unlikely to change his transfer plans. Mykhaylo Mudryk is their primary winger target and a midfielder to shore up the squad. Stories suggested the Gunners kept tabs on Cunha for a considerable period. Yet, they decided against pursuing the Brazilian striker.
As for Cunha, he will have huge expectations on his shoulders to help Wolves climb out of the relegation zone. Julen Lopetegui’s side sit at the bottom of the table, needing a formidable goalscorer. Whether the Brazilian will become that forward remains the question, and Wolves have taken a visible risk with the Atletico star.
