Wolverhampton Wanderers target Matheus Cunha ‘could be a long-term replacement for Raul Jimenez’, journalist Pete O’Rourke has told GiveMeSport.
The Midlands outfit are one of several Premier League sides to be linked with a move for the Atletico Madrid outcast ahead of the January window as they look to back new manager Julen Lopetegui.
Wolverhampton Wanderers transfer news – Matheus Cunha
A recent report from The Times has claimed that Lopetegui wants to bring in up to six fresh faces when the transfer market reopens for business next month.
Wolves are currently marooned at the foot of the Premier League table after picking up just 10 points from their opening 15 games and could be very active in the winter window as a result.
The Athletic have stated that the Molineux side are the ‘early favourites’ to sign Cunha from Atleti and also hope to entice his teammate Felipe to the club as well.
Diego Simeone’s charges are said to value the pair at a combined €50 million (£43.5m) and super-agent Jorge Mendes is heavily involved in the negotiations thanks to his close connections to both clubs.
Everton, Aston Villa, Leeds United and Arsenal are also listed among Cunha’s potential suitors, though, meaning any deal will be hard to conclude for Wolves.
What has O’Rourke said about Cunha?
O’Rourke has informed GMS that he believes Cunha has the ability to take over from Jimenez as Wolves main source of goals upfront.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
He said: “He’d be a great option, I think, not just as a long-term replacement for Diogo Jota, but it looks like he could be a long-term replacement for Raul Jimenez.
“It does seem like he is coming to the end of his time at Molineux, it seems like he might not figure in the plans of the new manager of the club as well.”
Would Cunha be a good signing?
Cunha, who earns £65,000-per-week according to Salary Sport, is enduring a difficult season, but there is no doubting he is a top-class player when at his best.
“Matheus has something special. He can always produce something with a moment of individual brilliance,” former Hertha Berlin head coach Bruno Labbadia was quoted as saying by the Bundesliga’s official website.
The Brazil international has registered 39 goals and 29 assists in 178 senior club appearances throughout his career, illustrating his potential.
If Wolves can win the race for Cunha’s signature, then Lopetegui’s options upfront may instantly be improved, helping their chances of climbing out of the bottom three.