Wolves respond after Arsenal transfer link with Matheus Cunha

Matheus Cunha has scored 10 Premier League goals for Wolves this season (Reuters)

Wolves manager Vitor Pereira is hopeful that the club can keep Matheus Cunha following the Brazilian’s links with moves to Arsenal and Manchester United in the January transfer window.

Cunha has been Wolves’ standout performer this season and took his tally to 10 goals and four assists in the Premier League with another impressive display in the 2-0 win against United on Boxing Day.

It’s understood that Arsenal have been keeping tabs on Cunha’s performances at Wolves, with Mikel Arteta keen to bolster his attacking options in the upcoming window.

United have also been linked with a move for the 25-year-old, who joined Wolves in a €50 million (£44m) deal in January 2023.

Pereira, who has now guided Wolves to consecutive wins after replacing Gary O’Neil as manager earlier this month, has backed Cunha to become one of the Premier League’s best players but is keen to see the Brazilian forward to remain at the club.

‘In my opinion he’s a player who can reach high standards in this league,’ Pereira told Amazon Prime.

When it was suggested that Cunha may make the step up at another club, Pereira said: ‘I hope not, I hope not because we need him.’

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Matheus Cunha of Wolverhampton Wanderers poses for a photo with the Player of the Match trophy following victory in the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Manchester United FC at Molineux on December 26, 2024 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Jack Thomas - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images) — Matheus Cunha was named Player of the Match in Wolves’ 2-0 win against Manchester United (Getty)

When asked about the importance of keeping Cunha in January, Pereira replied: ‘Of course, I agree with you. We need his quality.’

Jorgen Strand Larsen, who is on loan at Wolves from Spanish side Celta Vigo, also stressed the importance of keeping Cunha at the club.

‘I tell him during the game like how good he is every time because he needs to hear that,’ Strand Larsen said after Wolves’ win against United.

‘He’s an amazing player, I think one of the best I’ve ever played with.

‘He’s just so good, hopefully we can keep hold of him for a long time.

‘He has the confidence, I like to build people up, we have a good feeling, I have a good relationship with him, I’m more of a big man with the ball on my chest, and he’s the Brazilian magic.

‘Amazing guy, amazing football player.’

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