Arsenal fans are looking forward to a summer of transfer activity ahead of the 2025/26 season.
After falling short again in the Premier League title race in 2024/25, Mikel Arteta is looking to address key weaknesses within his squad, to try and hit full power for his sixth full campaign in charge.
Spain international Martin Zubimendi is rumoured to be a clear target to bolster the Gunners midfield with Jorginho and Thomas Partey expected to move on when their contracts expire in June.
However, more firepower in attack is the main focus, with a lack of striking options coming into sharp focus in recent months following long-term injuries to Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.
Brazil international Matheus Cunha is rumoured to be back on Arteta’s transfr radar despite his recent contract extension at Wolves.
Matheus Cunha’s Wolves contract, transfer fee, key stats
Cunha was linked with a potential move to Arsenal during the January transfer window, but as those rumours failed to develop into a formal offer, he agreed a renewal at Molineux until 2029.
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That puts Wolves in a very strong negotiating position to secure the full £62.5m [$80m] release clause inserted into his new deal.
The decision to extend is reported to have come as part of an agreement between the player and the club to protect his transfer value ahead of expected summer bids.
However, the situation has now taken a key turn, with Cunha openly stating he needs to leave to fulfil his career goals – but he wants to join a club that can match his ambitions.
“I had a lot of offers [to leave in January] but I wouldn’t feel well if I had done it,” as per an interview with The Guardian.
“Some things you can’t control, but I couldn’t leave the club in the middle of the season, in a difficult situation, in the relegation zone.
“Now, we’re close to achieving our goal [of staying up]. But I’ve made clear that I need to take the next step. I want to fight for titles, for big things. I have potential.”
Cunha’s confidence will be boost for Arteta but the Spanish coach will need to convince the former Atletico Madrid striker that Arsenal are closing in on their goal of converting progress into trophies.
His positional flexibility, and consistency in front of goal make Cunha an ideal target, with 13 EPL goals this season on the back of netting 12 in 2023/24.
Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta could also play a vital role as the Italian negotiator was the key figure in Cunha’s move to Atletico Madrid back in 2021.
Berta and Arteta are expected to make a final call on how to approach a move for Cunha next month but Wolves will not budge on their asking price.
