Aston Villa are closely monitoring the situation of Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha, who has emerged as a key target amid growing interest from several Premier League clubs. As the January transfer window approaches its conclusion, the Brazilian striker's future has become a topic of considerable speculation, with teams such as Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United all reportedly keen on acquiring his services.
Villa's strategy appears to hinge on their ability to offload a player before making any formal approach for Cunha. This cautious approach aligns with the club's commitment to financial sustainability and adherence to profit regulations. Jhon Duran, the forward who has shown promise, has been identified as a potential candidate for a transfer to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. However, it remains uncertain whether Villa are prepared to part with the Colombian, particularly after recently rejecting a substantial £57 million bid from West Ham.
Reports indicate that Villa's pursuit of Cunha is intricately linked to Duran's potential departure, as the club seeks to navigate their financial landscape prudently. According to MailOnline, the ability to make a move for Cunha is contingent upon facilitating Duran's exit, which would free up necessary funds for a prospective transfer. Cunha has made a significant impact at Wolves this season, netting ten goals and providing four assists in 21 league appearances, underscoring his value as a pivotal player.
Wolverhampton, meanwhile, are keen to retain Cunha and have initiated discussions aimed at extending his current contract. There is a sense of optimism within the club that these negotiations will yield a positive outcome, reflecting their desire to reward Cunha for his contributions on the pitch. Nevertheless, sources suggest that Cunha is unlikely to commit to a new deal until after the transfer window closes, as he aims to keep his options open for a potential move.
Wolves have firmly stated that Cunha is not for sale and have yet to receive any formal offers for him. With two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract, the club feels confident in their ability to retain their Brazilian star. However, the landscape could shift dramatically should a bid of £60 million or more materialise, prompting a reassessment of their position. Additionally, if Cunha were to depart, Wolves would face the daunting task of identifying a suitable replacement, further complicating their situation.
As the transfer window progresses, Aston Villa's interest in Cunha remains a storyline to watch, particularly as they navigate their own squad dynamics and financial considerations.