Arsenal handed fresh transfer hope over major target as Fabrizio Romano issues 'new deal' update

Arsenal have been given fresh hope over a possible deal involving Wolves star Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium this month, with Arsenal keen to sign a versatile forward who has a track scoring record.

The 25-year-old was a huge investment for Wolves, costing well over £40million, but the investment has proven to be a wise one. The striker has scored 10 and assisted four so far this season, and he is recognised as one of the most dangerous forwards outside the usual top six clubs.

Mikel Arteta is said to be a big fun, but a January deal was complicated because Wolves moved to tie Cunha down to a new deal. As things stand, the forward is currently tied down until 2027, but Wolves are moving to agree a new contract that would have a low release clause in case they are relegated.

But contract talks appear to be stalling despite earlier reports that Cunha was close to putting pen-to-paper. Fabrizio Romano now says the situation is one to keep an eye on due to the fact the forward is yet to commit amid interest from Arsenal.

He tweeted: “Cunha’s situation from now to end of January remains one to watch. New deal not formally signed yet as reported two days ago, clubs showing interest with Arsenal still keen and not only… …Vitor Pereira’s post-match words yesterday were also strong.”

When asked about the situation, Wolves boss Vitor Pereira said: “If in the future he [Cunha] goes to a big club, I will be happy for him. For sure because I like it if one of my players is one of the best players in the game, I’m very happy. He’s quality and the quality of work [he does].”

Arsenal would be wise to move while Cunha is yet to pen a deal, and conversations are likely going on behind the scenes in a bid to turn the player’s head, such is modern football and the power of intermediaries.

Arteta was asked about the pressure of making new signings over the weekend. He responded: “Not at the result at the moment. You look at the performances, I don’t know how many teams are playing at this level in the league. When you look at the bench, probably you say I think we are very short.”