Matheus Cunha to Arsenal transfer takes new twist as Wolves boss braces for January move

Arsenal's chances of signing Matheus Cunha in the January transfer window appear to have increased. The Brazil international has been linked to a whole host of clubs including the Gunners despite it being said he has agreed terms on a new contract at Molineux.

With Mikel Arteta in search of a new attacking addition, it is perhaps no surprise that Cunha has emerged of interest. Having scored 10 goals and picked up four assists from 22 appearances, the 25-year-old finally appears to be realising his true potential.

He has however, hit a stumbling block in recent weeks with a ban, illness and injury meaning his start against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday evening was his first since late December. Though he was at the centre of some bright moments for the visitors, they suffered a 3-1 defeat.

Cunha was also a major talking point in Vitor Pereira's post-match press conference where the Wolves boss criticised his attitude. "He can be frustrated as he wants to win, but everyone in the dressing room wants to win," he said.

"I don't like this body language. I want someone, as a captain, trying to help the team - running, suffering and fighting all together. But this is something I can understand. Next time, I won't understand."

When asked about Cunha not going over to clap the away fans, he added: "This is something I cannot understand. Again, it is the frustration - which I understand - but we need to be together. Together we can fix the problems and stay in the Premier League.

"If we start complaining about this and that, this is not the way. He is committed to Wolves but when you keep hearing about other clubs, then it is human [to be distracted].

"But he needs to put his mind on his targets and increase his level after injury and help his team again with his quality. The team needs him with good energy and not with frustration. He must slow down and put his mind in the right way."

Though Pereira oversaw three wins from his first five games in charge, Wolves have hit another slump and issues away from the pitch are not making matters any easier. Mario Lemina has not featured for Wolves since the defeat to Nottingham Forest on Monday, January 6 but the reason for his absence is not enforced.

Just a few months on from being stripped of the captaincy, the 31-year-old is now keen to depart the Midlands in January with Pereira revealing that is still the case and is therefore the reason he is not playing. "I consider him out until the end of the market," he admitted.

"I want players committed with the team, club and everything. He still wants a move, I don’t want players with doubts." Given the chaos currently occurring at Wolves, Arsenal may feel as though they can take advantage of the situation and sign Cunha to ease their attacking woes before deadline day.

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