Arsenal told how much they must pay to land January striker target as clubs 'start calling'

Arsenal could get their perfect opportunity to land one of their January targets this summer.

Arsenal are still showing an interest in one of their January transfer targets ahead of the summer. The Gunners failed to land a striker in the winter window despite making it clear his team needed more depth at the top end of the pitch.

The Gunners lost Gabriel Jesus for the season, while Bukayo Saka is out for at least another month or so, and there are now question marks over Gabriel Martinelli, who pulled up with a hamstring during the week. On top of all that, Arsenal already looked as though they needed a natural goalscorer.

Arsenal need more help in the summer, and a striker signing is inevitable ahead of the next campaign. The usual suspects are being linked, including Benjamin Sesko and Alexander Isak, but Wolves frontman Matheus Cunha is also likely to remain an option.

That’s especially the case because Cunha’s new deal includes a summer release clause that will be affordable for the Gunners. Fabrizio Romano has written on GiveMeSport: “We need to keep a close eye on the situation of Matheus Cunha for the summer. Wolves have been able to get a new deal done after a verbal agreement was reached in the first week of January, before some tense moments when Cunha’s camp started to request a release clause as part of the agreement, which wasn't planned before. But everything has been sorted with the Brazilian star staying and Wolves eventually letting him leave in July with a clause worth £62.5m, which is now confirmed by sources close to the club. But what’s next for Cunha?

“The focus now is on Wolves. Cunha - described as being "sensational" by pundit Micah Richards - is a top professional and wants to help by playing at his best possible level to avoid relegation. For the summer, some clubs have already started calling and moving.

“Arsenal have had Cunha on their shortlist for months. He’s highly rated internally but they were never planning to spend £70/75m in January as that budget will be used for a traditional number 9 in the summer. But Cunha remains among the options considered as he can help in different positions, while the relationship with his agent is excellent.”

Cunha ‘loves’ Wolves

Cunha was never likely to force his way out of Wolves, with reports having already suggested that he was comfortable with his current club and keen to help them beat the drop. When the Brazilian signed his new contract, Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs said: “The new contract is a reward for what Matheus has done, and symbolises his importance to us on the pitch. It is something that he's earned because of everything he’s given us and will continue to give us.

“Matheus loves the club, loves the fans and really appreciates the opportunity the club has given him. The fans have taken him under their wing, and he’s loved being here, so it's been a really positive experience for both sides.

“His talent is undeniable and he’s a real winner. He wants us to achieve our goals now, and when a player of his quality shows he's with you and up for the fight, it’s a big lift for everyone. Now he has to do what he’s been doing, and even more. I expect him to knuckle down through the second half of season, because we need everyone at it.”

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