Six points behind Premier League leading Liverpool, who have a game in hand, Arsenal have reportedly brought forward their summer plan to chase the £90m signing Mikel Arteta already this month.
Arsenal transfer news
With Manchester City relegated and relegated, it looked like Arsenal would finally take advantage and seal the Premier League title they had been chasing for the past two years. But then Arne Slott and his new Liverpool team arrived to usher in a new era at Anfield and one that could begin with ultimate glory unless the Gunners pull off a miraculous comeback.
Connected
Even with a win over Brentford to kick off 2025, Arsenal remain six points adrift of the Reds who would get as many as nine more from winning a game more at this stage. In need of an incredible turnaround, those in north London may have to turn to the January transfer window.
On that front, Bukaya Saka’s injury saw such things Nico Williams already mentioned this month, but it’s an option closer to home that the Gunners could still welcome.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal are now pushing to sign Matheus Cunha as early as this month rather than waiting until the summer, as earlier reports suggested, would be more realistic.
In a deal that could be worth as much 90 million pounds this month based on previous reportsArsenal are potentially looking to steal the headlines and welcome a clinical goalscorer for Arteta.
Desperate to bridge the gap to Liverpool, Arteta would find the right solution to his side’s attacking woes in the Cunhawho lifted Wolves out of the relegation zone in recent weeks to earn such interest this month.
“Special” Cunha could be an instant upgrade
Without Saka, it is increasingly difficult to name a striker capable of dragging Arsenal to three points when they need it most. Martin Odegaard could contribute from midfield, but those ahead of him often struggle in front of goal from open play compared to their Premier League rivals. And while recent goals from Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli have helped, there’s no doubt that Arsenal still need the extra edge that Cunha would provide.
|
Statistics of the Premier League 24/25 (via FBref) |
Matheus Cunha |
Gabriel Jesus |
Gabriel Martinelli |
|---|---|---|---|
|
It starts |
18 |
5 |
13 |
|
Objectives |
10 |
3 |
5 |
|
Assists |
4 |
0 |
2 |
|
Expected goals |
4.1 |
2.5 |
3.4 |
The new boss of Vukov Vitor Pereira will of course be willing to keep their star, however, he recently told reporters, as reported by the Premier League’s official website: “He is a special player. He can do things that can make a difference in small details.
“We’re trying his angle because we want the inside momentum to explore this. But you can work a lot and in the end nothing happens. With a player like this, it can happen. I think it’s not about the work, it’s about the quality, his individual quality.
“Matheus Cunha is a player, in my opinion, who can reach high standards in this league. I hope not [elsewhere] because we need him.”
