Arsenal had a quiet winter transfer window despite trying to grab some of their key targets. In the end, they were unable to sign a new striker that could have solved some major issues in their squad.
Mikel Arteta’s side were favourites to bring in Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins late in the window, but the move fell off due to a difference in valuation.
Similarly, they discussed Brighton and Hove Albion’s Evan Ferguson at one point. Last but not least, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ star Matheus Cunha was a leading contender to join the Gooners, but no actions were taken.
Cunha has impressed with 15 goal contributions in 24 appearances this season. Wolves are fighting to stay above the relegation zone, and without the efforts of their talisman, they wouldn’t have gained a few important wins this season.
Arsenal knew about the Brazilian star’s potential and that he is the best fit for their frontline. However, as per journalist Fabrizio Romano, they preferred to save their money for the upcoming summer transfer window as they planned to spend big on an even better number nine.
The transfer expert said:
“Matheus Cunha, the Brazilian star of Wolves, is doing very well this season. He is on the list of several clubs, we know that Arsenal have had Matheus Cunha on their list for a long time, appreciated internally, a player that they really like, but they wanted to save a big amount of money for a different kind of player, a proper number nine in the summer.”
“Arsenal’s interest was there, but it was never something they were prepared to do in the January transfer window.”
🚨 Arsenal didn’t go for Matheus Cunha because they wanted to save their money & sign a PROPER NUMBER NINE in the summer!
Interest in Cunha was there, but it was never something they were prepared to do in January. 🇧🇷 (@FabrizioRomano) pic.twitter.com/Wgbwbo93mg
— Le African Gooner (@leafricangooner) February 8, 2025
DID ARSENAL TAKE A HUGE RISK BY IGNORING CUNHA?
Arteta has previously given weight to the fact that the club isn’t going to sign a player just for temporary needs. They are waiting for the opportunity to land the right player who suits their vision for the future.
Cunha is just 25 and has a lot of football left in him. But Arsenal preferred to wait for the chance to strike big even if it meant that they had to expose their shortage of consistent performers upfront.
Matheus Cunha since the start of 2024:
🐺 39 apps
⚽️ 19 goals
🅰️ 7 assistsSign. The. Contract. ✍️🐺 #wwfc
— Charlie Gregory (@CharIieGreg) February 1, 2025
The English giants might have thought that they wouldn’t need additional reinforcements before heading into the January window. But here they are in the midst of a severe injury crisis. Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz, Ethan Nwaneri, and Leandro Trossard are the only possible options.
The problem is not only about the quantity but also the quality. Sterling is yet to score a league goal this season, and Nwaneri needs more exposure. Trossard and Havertz are starting the majority of the games, which makes them prone to fatigue.
They will hope that Bukayo Saka returns early in March as expected and doesn’t face any other setbacks. Gabriel Martinelli’s return date is yet to be known, and Gabriel Jesus is out for the remainder of the season.
Cunha could have been a great antidote to their current problems. But if the club has planned for something big, then they might be thinking of a long-term gain rather than just a quick fix.
The Wolves star will be available for £62.5 million in the summer as per his contract clause.
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But it remains to be seen whether they return for him or target a younger alternative in Benjamin Sesko. The RB Leipzig ace is in top form and has the potential to develop even further at the N5.
