‘Still keen' - Fabrizio Romano issues intriguing Wolves transfer update after £80m-rated star striker warning

Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal are expected to test Wolves resolve with a late January move for in-demand Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha.

Transfer guru Fabrizo Romano understands Arsenal are huge admirers of the 25-year-old and has described a deal as potentially ‘one to watch’ in the final weeks of the window.

He posted on X: “Cunha’s situation from now to end of January remains one to watch.

“New deal not formally signed yet as reported two days ago, clubs showing interest with Arsenal still keen and not only... Vitor Pereira’s post-match words yesterday were also strong.”

Arsenal’s push to sign a striker

The Gunners recently lost striker Gabriel Jesus to an ACL injury and currently have only one fit and available central forward in Kai Havertz as they head into the second half of the campaign.

Arsenal are also without star player Bukayo Saka for most of the next two months with a hamstring problem and have slipped even further behind in the title race in recent weeks after blowing a two goal advantage in a costly 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.

Mikel Arteta’s side have struggled to hit the heights of the last two seasons in front of goal and are determined to bolster their attacking options to give them the best possible chance of thriving - in the Premier League, League Cup and Champions League in the weeks to come.

Our sister site London World understands the Spaniard and his recruitment team are huge admirers of Cunha after his impressive run of form which has seen him register 24 goals and 12 assists in all competitions since the start of last season.

"If something is in the market that we can afford and believe can have an impact on the team, we have to be open to that possibility always," said Arteta.

However, Wolves have ruled out talk of Cunha leaving this month and have openly told the media that they will do everything in their power to avoid losing one of their star players midseason as they aim to fend off the threat of relegation to the Championship.

Wolves boss Vitor Pereira explained at the start of the month that the striker was close to agreeing a new-long term contract in the West Midlands.

“I hope he stays with us for a long time, but I understand as a special player - he will have opportunities for sure in his career. It is not only about his technique, but his personality,” Said Pereira

“He is special because he can take the ball in a moment of pressure and make magic from nothing. No, of course I don’t want him to be sold in January.”

However, Pereira has since been critical of the forward’s character since returning from injury and has sent a stark warning to the Brazilian amid ongoing transfer speculation.

What Vítor Pereira has said about Matheus Cunha’s future

Wolves fell to a 3-1 defeat against Chelsea in a result which left the Old Gold 17th and only outside the relegation places on goal difference.

After the game, Cunha, who struggled to make his mark on proceedings, walked down the tunnel in frustration and failed to acknowledge the travelling supporters with the rest of his team-mates.

Something which manager Vitor Pereira was quick to single him out for in his post-match interview, he said: "He can be frustrated as he wants to win, but everyone in the dressing room wants to win.

"I don't like this body language. I want someone, as a captain, trying to help the team - running, suffering and fighting all together. But this is something I can understand. Next time, I won't understand."

When asked about Cunha leaving the field immediately after the full-time whistle, he added: "This is something I cannot understand.

"Again, it is the frustration - which I understand - but we need to be together. Together we can fix the problems and stay in the Premier League.

"If we start complaining about this and that, this is not the way. He is committed to Wolves but when you keep hearing about other clubs, then it is human [to be distracted].

"But he needs to put his mind on his targets and increase his level after injury and help his team again with his quality. The team needs him with good energy and not with frustration. He must slow down and put his mind in the right way."

How much is Matheus Cunha worth to Wolves?

Matheus Cunha arrived from Atletico Madrid for a figure of around £44m after showing glimpses of his quality in an initial loan spell.

The Brazilian arrived with a great reputation and has certainly lived up to it after thriving in numerous attacking roles including centre forward, winger and central attacking midfielder.

Ben Jacobs understands that Wolves are determined not to sell at this stage of the season and claims the Old Gold could demand a figure of up to £80m this winter.