AliousMatheus Cunha: The Premier League’s Most Sought-After Forward
Matheus Cunha has become one of the most talked-about players in the January transfer window, with Premier League clubs like Arsenal and Nottingham Forest vying for his signature.
Wolves face a significant challenge in keeping the Brazilian, who has consistently impressed since his arrival from Atletico Madrid in 2023.
With a £60m bid rumored to be enough to tempt Wolves into selling, here’s a closer look at why Cunha is in such high demand.
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A Clinical Finisher with a Track Record of Excellence
Cunha’s ability to score goals is central to his appeal. The 24-year-old joined Wolves with untapped potential, but he has since emerged as a top-tier forward.
Following a 14-goal campaign last season, he has already reached double figures before the halfway point of the current campaign.
His tally of 21 non-penalty goals over the last two Premier League seasons puts him among the league’s elite, level with Tottenham’s Heung-Min Son and ahead of Arsenal’s Kai Havertz.
What makes this feat more impressive is that Cunha has achieved it while playing for a Wolves side often short on creativity.
Notable goals include a corner kick converted directly against Manchester United and a stunning weaker-foot strike against Arsenal at the Emirates.
These moments underline Cunha’s ability to score from improbable situations, a trait that makes him a coveted asset.
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Master of Half-Chances
Cunha thrives on making the most of limited opportunities.
This season, he has taken 63 shots—the fifth-highest in the league—and has an extraordinary ability to convert low-quality chances.
According to Opta, he has scored eight more goals than expected based on his opportunities, ranking him third in the Premier League for expected goal overperformance, just behind Phil Foden and Chris Wood.
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A Creative Powerhouse
Cunha isn’t just a scorer; he’s also a prolific creator.
With 36 chances created this season—nearly double that of any other Wolves player—he’s a vital playmaker. His set-piece delivery and open-play creativity make him particularly attractive to clubs like Arsenal, who value versatility in attacking players.
This season, Cunha has contributed four assists to go with his 10 goals. Last season, he tallied seven assists alongside 12 goals.
Whether threading passes in tight spaces or delivering accurate crosses, Cunha consistently elevates those around him.
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Ball-Carrying Dynamo
Cunha’s ability to carry the ball forward is another weapon in his arsenal.
Combining pace, power, and exceptional close control, he ranks among the league’s top 10 attackers for carry distance this season.
His ability to destabilize defenses with marauding runs frequently places him in prime shooting positions, as evidenced by his 20 shot-ending carries—bettered by only a handful of players like Mohamed Salah and Cole Palmer.
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Versatile and Adaptable
Since joining Wolves, Cunha has excelled in multiple roles.
Whether deployed as a No. 9, a playmaking No. 10, or a roaming forward, he adapts to what the team needs.
This season, he has primarily operated behind striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, offering a blend of creativity and poaching ability.
His freedom to roam has allowed him to contribute in both deeper positions and advanced attacking areas.
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Work Ethic and Defensive Contribution
Cunha’s energy and work rate further enhance his value. He leads Wolves in sprints this season and ranks highly for distance covered.
Additionally, his pressing ability has been pivotal, with 16 final-third ball recoveries placing him among the Premier League’s top performers in this metric.
Although Wolves manager Vitor Pereira has occasionally critiqued his body language, he has also praised Cunha’s willingness to work hard for the team, calling him a “special player.”
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The Future of Matheus Cunha
Cunha’s current contract runs until 2027, but he is reportedly reluctant to sign an extension.
This has encouraged suitors, with Nottingham Forest preparing a club-record bid and Arsenal also interested in adding the dynamic forward to their ranks.
As Premier League clubs look to strengthen their squads, Cunha’s combination of goal-scoring prowess, creativity, versatility, and work ethic makes him one of the most exciting talents on the market.
Whether he stays at Wolves or moves to a new club, the Brazilian forward is poised to make a significant impact.
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