Aston Villa are actively pursuing a transfer for Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers following the completion of Jhon Duran's move to Al-Nassr. The club is set to receive £65 million, along with additional performance-related add-ons, for Duran, whose transfer is expected to be finalised on Friday. This influx of funds provides Villa with a significant opportunity to reinvest and bolster Unai Emery's ambitions for European qualification.
Cunha, a 25-year-old Brazilian forward, has emerged as a primary target for Villa. Valued at approximately £70 million, he has made a notable impact in the Premier League, netting 24 goals and contributing 11 assists in 71 appearances since his transfer from Atletico Madrid for around £40 million. His addition could prove pivotal as Villa look to enhance their attacking options.
While Cunha is at the forefront of Villa's transfer strategy, he is not the sole focus. The club is also engaged in discussions regarding Chelsea's Joao Felix and Marco Asensio from Paris Saint-Germain. Furthermore, Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel has surfaced as a potential target, and Villa are optimistic about securing Axel Disasi from Chelsea, underscoring their commitment to strengthening the squad.
In a related matter, Aston Villa are resolute in their intention to retain Ollie Watkins, despite considerable interest from Arsenal. The Gunners are preparing to submit a second offer for the England international after their initial bid of around £60 million was rejected. While Villa are firm in their stance regarding Watkins’ future, reports suggest that the striker is open to a potential move to Arsenal before the transfer window closes on Monday night.
As highlighted by MailOnline, the coming days are critical for Aston Villa as they navigate the transfer market. The decisions made during this period will be instrumental in shaping the club's competitive standing in the Premier League and their aspirations in European competitions. With a clear strategy in place, Villa are poised to make significant strides in their quest for success this season.