Nottingham Forest and Arsenal are gearing up for a fierce battle in the January transfer window, with both clubs vying for the signature of Matheus Cunha, the Brazilian forward currently plying his trade at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Forest are reportedly keen to secure Cunha as their number one target for the upcoming window, and they are prepared to make a bold move by offering a club-record fee to bring him to the City Ground. However, their pursuit will not be without competition, as Premier League rivals Arsenal are also in the race to sign the talented forward, creating a tense and highly anticipated transfer saga.
Both clubs find themselves in similar situations when it comes to their attacking options, and this shared need for an additional forward is fueling the competition for Cunha. Forest’s attacking department has struggled this season to find consistent goal scorers, with Chris Wood being the club’s leading scorer with 14 league goals. However, after Wood, the next closest player in terms of goals is Morgan Gibbs-White, who has only managed to score four goals so far. This disparity highlights the need for Forest to add more firepower to their squad, and Cunha, who has shown flashes of brilliance since his move to Wolves in 2023, would be a much-needed addition to the team. His dynamic style of play and versatility in the attacking third make him an ideal fit for Nuno Espirito Santo’s system, which relies on pace, creativity, and clinical finishing in the final third.
On the other hand, Arsenal have their own pressing need for a striker, particularly after the injuries to their star attackers, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. Both players have been instrumental in Arsenal’s attacking play, and their absences have left a noticeable gap in the team’s offensive options. Saka’s creativity and dribbling ability, combined with Jesus’ mobility and finishing, have been central to Arsenal’s success in recent seasons. However, with both players sidelined, Mikel Arteta has been forced to rely on a more limited attacking pool, which has led to a lack of depth and variety in the Gunners’ forward line. Arteta has been vocal about his desire to bring in a forward who can provide additional goalscoring options, and Cunha has emerged as a potential solution to this problem. His ability to play across various attacking positions, including as a central striker or as a wide forward, gives Arteta the flexibility he needs to bolster his squad.
Arsenal’s interest in Cunha is not a new development. In fact, the Gunners have been long-term admirers of the Brazilian, even before he joined Wolves in 2023. According to reports, Arsenal were keen on signing Cunha as a temporary replacement for the injured Gabriel Jesus, a situation strikingly similar to the one they find themselves in now. This long-standing interest in the player could give Arsenal an edge over Forest, as they have an established rapport with Cunha’s representatives and a deeper understanding of the player’s preferences and aspirations. Cunha, who is already familiar with the Premier League through his time at Wolves, may also see a move to Arsenal as a more attractive proposition, given their established status in both domestic and European football. With Arsenal currently competing in the Champions League, Cunha could be enticed by the opportunity to play at the highest level of club football, an opportunity that Forest, despite their recent improvement in the Premier League, cannot offer at the moment.
Moreover, Arsenal’s position in the transfer market is further strengthened by their historical connections with Cunha. The Gunners had shown interest in the forward even before he moved to Wolves, and their long-standing pursuit could help sway Cunha’s decision in favor of the North London club. Arsenal’s status as a top-tier Premier League side with a rich history of success in domestic and European competitions undoubtedly provides them with a powerful pull factor. Cunha may see joining Arsenal as a chance to compete for major trophies and elevate his career to the next level, particularly in a team that is challenging for both Premier League and Champions League honors.
Despite Arsenal’s advantages, Forest are determined to make their move for Cunha and are prepared to match Wolves’ £60 million asking price for the player. Forest’s willingness to spend a club-record fee on Cunha demonstrates the club’s ambition to strengthen their attacking options and push further up the Premier League table. Forest’s hierarchy understands the importance of securing a proven talent who can make an immediate impact, and Cunha, with his technical skills, pace, and ability to score goals, represents an ideal solution to their current attacking woes. Additionally, Forest have a personal connection with Cunha through Morgan Gibbs-White, who is a close friend of the Brazilian. This relationship could help Forest’s case, as Cunha may be persuaded to move to the City Ground, knowing that he has a strong bond with one of the club’s key players. The personal aspect of this potential transfer could play a significant role in Forest’s efforts to lure Cunha away from Arsenal and to the East Midlands.
While Forest’s financial commitment and personal connection with Cunha could help them in their pursuit, Arsenal’s long-standing interest and their position as a top Premier League club with Champions League football on offer give them a considerable edge in this transfer battle. Arsenal’s ability to offer Cunha the chance to compete at the highest level, coupled with their existing relationship with the player’s representatives, puts them in a favorable position. The question now is whether Forest’s financial power and personal connections can overcome the pull of Arsenal’s status and history.
The £60 million price tag set by Wolves is significant, but it is within reach for both clubs, particularly considering the level of talent Cunha represents. For Forest, this could be a defining moment in their Premier League journey, as securing a player of Cunha’s quality would significantly enhance their attacking depth and provide them with a vital tool for climbing the table. For Arsenal, adding Cunha to their squad could provide the necessary firepower to bolster their title ambitions and ensure they remain competitive on multiple fronts.
This transfer battle between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing sagas of the January transfer window. As both clubs pursue Cunha, it remains to be seen which one will ultimately succeed in securing the Brazilian’s signature. Regardless of the outcome, the transfer battle between these two Premier League sides highlights the growing competition for talent in the January market, with clubs looking to make crucial additions to bolster their squads for the second half of the season. The outcome of this deal could have a significant impact on both Forest and Arsenal’s aspirations for the remainder of the campaign, making it a transfer saga that fans will be closely watching.