Nottingham Forest’s pursuit of Matheus Cunha was one of the most intriguing transfer rumors of the January window, sparking excitement and speculation among fans. Evangelos Marinakis had made it clear that strengthening the attacking department was a top priority, particularly to ease the burden on Chris Wood. Forest’s interest in Cunha wasn’t just a passing fancy—they were reportedly willing to break their transfer record to sign him. That willingness to spend big showed the club’s ambition and the owner’s determination to secure a high-profile forward who could make an immediate impact.

However, despite Forest’s intent, a deal never came close to happening. Wolves had no interest in losing their key attacker midway through the season, especially as they continued to fight for their Premier League status. More importantly, Cunha himself never seemed particularly keen on a move. In a recent interview with Match of the Day, the Brazilian made it clear that he never intended to leave Wolves, regardless of the outside interest. He expressed gratitude towards the club for giving him an opportunity in the Premier League and emphasized that he wanted to repay that faith rather than seek an exit.

His words put to bed any lingering speculation that he might have been open to joining Forest in January. They also cast doubt on whether he would entertain a move in the summer, even if Forest were to revive their interest. While every player has a price, convincing Cunha to leave a club he feels loyal to—especially if Wolves secure their top-flight status—could prove to be an uphill battle.

Then there’s the financial side of the equation. Wolves reportedly set a £62.5m release clause for Cunha, a massive sum that would represent a record-breaking transfer for Forest. While Cunha is undoubtedly a talented player, the question remains whether Forest can afford to invest such a significant fee in one signing. With Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations to consider and other areas of the squad that may need strengthening, committing such a large sum to a single player could be risky.

That’s where alternative options come into play, and one name that has gained traction in recent weeks is Yuri Alberto. The Brazilian forward has been linked with a move to Forest, with reports suggesting that the club has already been in contact with his representatives. Unlike Cunha, whose release clause is sky-high, Alberto is expected to be available for around £25m—less than half the cost of Cunha.

This stark price difference alone makes Alberto a very appealing alternative, but his playing style also fits the profile of what Forest need. While Cunha is more of a creative forward, excelling in dribbling and playmaking, Alberto is a more traditional striker. His ability to find space in the box, generate more shots on target, and pose a direct goal-scoring threat makes him an attractive option.

Forest’s main problem this season has been a lack of clinical finishing. Chris Wood has led the line well, but he has lacked competition and support in key moments. Alberto, with his sharp movement and goal-scoring instincts, could provide exactly that. His arrival would not only ease the burden on Wood but also offer Forest a more balanced attack.

Another factor to consider is squad depth. If Forest were to sign Cunha, the financial outlay might limit their ability to strengthen other areas. Investing in Alberto instead would allow them to reinforce multiple positions while still significantly improving their attacking options.

That’s not to say Cunha wouldn’t be a fantastic addition—his technical ability, versatility, and creativity make him an exciting player. However, when balancing quality, affordability, and squad needs, Alberto appears to offer better overall value.

Ultimately, Marinakis and the Forest recruitment team have a big decision to make in the summer. If they want to make a blockbuster statement signing, they could push for Cunha again, despite the challenges involved. But if they are looking for a more financially sensible option that directly addresses their need for a goal-scoring forward, Alberto might be the smarter choice.

Either way, it’s clear that adding a striker will be a top priority for Forest in the upcoming transfer window. Whether it’s Cunha, Alberto, or another name yet to emerge, Marinakis is unlikely to settle for anything less than a major reinforcement up front.