- 15 hours ago
Arsenal or Man Utd: Who should Matheus Cunha join after Wolves exit admission?
Cameron Smith
- 31 Mar 2025 06:00 CDT
- 4 min read
Analysis
Matheus Cunha has admitted that he wants to leave Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer, despite signing a new contract with the club in February.
The Brazil international was heavily linked with a Molineux exit during the winter transfer window, but he ended rumours of a mid-season departure by agreeing a new long-term deal that runs until 2029.
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Current ETV
Matheus Cunha
F (C)
Wolverhampton
Matheus Cunha
F (C)
Wolverhampton
ETV Range
€54.7M - €66.8M
However, Cunha has now revealed his desire to leave Vitor Pereira’s side in his bid to challenge for major honours.
“I had a lot of offers, but I wouldn’t feel well if I had done it [left in January],” Cunha told The Guardian. “Some things you can’t control, but I couldn’t leave the club in the middle of the season, in a difficult situation, in the relegation zone.
“Now, we’re close to achieving our goal [of staying up]. But I’ve made it clear that I need to take the next step. I want to fight for titles, for big things. I have potential.”
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Cunha’s honest admission that he wants to leave Wolves has put Arsenal and Manchester United on red alert, with both clubs known admirers of the 25-year-old.
However, if the Brazil forward is able to secure a big-money move this summer, who should he join?
Who should Matheus Cunha join this summer?
Data analytics experts SciSports believe that one club stands out as the best for Cunha - and it’s a rather surprising one.
Crystal Palace actually boast the best ‘Club Fit’ score for Cunha, with Oliver Glasner’s side regarded as the ideal destination for the Wolves star to continue his development.
The Eagles’ 3-4-3 formation appears perfectly suited for Cunha and their ascent under Glasner means they could well challenge for European football next season.
Ismaila Sarr has revitalised his career as a right forward at Selhurst Park, and Cunha could be targeted as a replacement for Eberechi Eze amid reports the Englishman could depart this summer.
However, if Cunha wants to challenge for the biggest trophies on offer, then Palace may struggle to finalise an agreement.
Aston Villa, on the other hand, may have slightly more leverage given their progression into the Champions League quarter-finals. Unai Emery’s men rank as the second-best option for Cunha and he would be the perfect player to feature alongside Ollie Watkins in a front two at Villa Park.
Bayern Munich feature in third place, while Arsenal and Man Utd both possess a ‘Club Fit’ score of 70 and are therefore joint-fourth.
Of the two clubs, Arsenal are judged to provide Cunha with a better chance of potential development, although his game time would be significantly reduced if he moves to the Emirates Stadium.
The Brazilian is a hybrid forward and while his versatility is an asset, he arguably wouldn’t be a guaranteed starter in any position under Mikel Arteta.
At Man Utd, however, Cunha would slot in nicely as a left-sided forward in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.
Joining Arsenal may give Cunha a better prospect of racking up major trophies, but a move to Man Utd would present him with the perfect chance to accumulate a high number of games for one of the world’s biggest clubs.
On the other hand, joining Crystal Palace is a rogue but potentially rewarding move that Cunha should consider.
