Arsenal have been linked with a move for Wolves star Matheus Cunha in the January transfer window and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has offered an update on the club’s plans
Mikel Arteta has revealed Arsenal will dip into the January transfer market if “something unbelievable” becomes available.
Arsenal are set to be without star winger Bukayo Saka for “more than two months” after he underwent surgery on a torn hamstring and Wolves star Matheus Cunha has emerged as a potential option for the Gunners.
The versatile forward has scored 10 goals in 19 Premier League games so far this season, starring both out wide and through the middle. And when asked about the prospect of bringing in reinforcements following Saka’s injury, Arteta admitted Arsenal are “ready” to act.
“Well, my focus honestly now is just about within the squad the resources we have to be as competitive as we possibly can,” he said. “We have many, many options to do that. And if something unbelievable [becomes] available and if the club is willing to do it, we’ll have to consider it.”
Arsenal have received a boost as Cunha avoided a lengthy ban after he appeared to strike an Ipswich staff member following Wolves’ 2-1 win over Kieran McKenna’s side last month. Cunha has been fined £80,000 and suspended for two games as a result of his actions.
In fact, the Brazilian will only miss one league game, a clash with Nottingham Forest, as his ban also applies to Wolves’ FA Cup game against Bristol City. Had Cunha received a lengthy ban, that may well have ruined his chances of securing a big January move.
However, Mirror Football understands that Wolves do not want to sell the 25-year-old midway through the season and will only accept a big-money offer for Cunha. Wolves currently sit just one point above the relegation zone and new boss Vitor Pereira is adamant they “need” him if they are to avoid the drop.
“He is a special player,” Pereira told Amazon Prime after Wolves beat Manchester United on Boxing Day. “He can do things that can make the difference in small details. Matheus Cunha is a player, in my opinion, who can reach high standards in this league.”
When asked about Cunha potentially leaving the club, Pereira added: “I hope not, I hope not because we need him. He’s come here with a lot of energy. He said to us it’s been his dream for 18 years to come here and manage a team in the Premier League.
“You can see the impact, you can see the energy, how he can teach us things on the pitch. I think he can help everyone show what we can do.”
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