Matheus Cunha to Arsenal: Wolves ace a SPECTACULAR signing if he can answer one doubt

Robin Bairner

Updated: 19 Mar 2025 13:29 GMT
7 min read

Matheus Cunha has been earmarked by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta as an alternative to Nico Williams in the summer.

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While Nico is the Gunners’ main target, competition for the Spain star’s signature means that there are no guarantees in his case.

Current ETV

Matheus Cunha

F, AM (C)

Wolverhampton

Matheus Cunha

F, AM (C)

Wolverhampton

ETV Range

€54.7M - €66.8M

New sporting director Andrea Berta has earmarked Cunha, who he worked with at Atletico Madrid, as a viable alternative, according to TeamTalk.

Arsenal previously tracked the Brazil international around the January transfer window but were ultimately unable to secure his signature, despite agreeing on terms with the player. Instead, the 25-year-old sprung a surprise by signing a new Wolves deal.

The kicker is that the new contract possesses a release clause worth €75 million (£62.5m), not too far from his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €60.8m.

One concern to address

Cunha has everything that Arteta wants in an attacking midfielder.

He possesses the versatility to play across the forward line, including as a false 9 if required. He also has significant Premier League experience at Wolves.

On top of this, his game-breaking qualities are formidable. Known for his dribbling and flair, Cunha ranks 23rd among all Premier League players for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes with 4.12 and is 21st in expected assists. He also has 13 goals for the season, putting him joint-eighth along with Ollie Watkins, another Arsenal transfer target. This has been achieved despite playing for a weak Wolves side.

Cunha vs Premier League attacking midfielders: Overall performance 2024/25

SciSports rates Cunha as the third-best attacking midfielder in the Premier League this season behind only Bruno Fernandes and Kevin De Bruyne. Its model puts the ex-RB Leipzig man ahead of the likes of Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace and Morgan Rodgers of Aston Villa.

It also suggests Arsenal are a good fit for Cunha – up to a point. This is where the single doubt over his ability to work at the Emirates creeps in.

© IMAGO - Matheus Cunha's Club Fit at Arsenal (SciSports)

Although the Gunners get a Club Fit score of 71 based upon a wide variety of factors, including playing time and potential development. The big question mark is where Cunha can fit into Arteta’s style.

Arsenal get a mere one star in this regard, with alternative Premier League sides such as Manchester United and Crystal Palace, the best-rated of Cunha’s alternatives, both hitting four.

If he can overcome this sticking point, he could be a spectacular signing for Arsenal.