Boost for Chelsea? Mikel Arteta urged not to sign £65m Arsenal target

Yesterday at 11:43 AM

Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has warned Mikel Arteta against signing £65m target Matheus Cunha.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for the Brazilian as they look to bolster Arteta’s attacking options before the transfer deadline.

The January transfer window closes on February 3 meaning clubs only have a few more days to complete any business.

Arsenal look in desperate need for attacking reinforcements after losing Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka to injury.

In some games they have also looked toothless in front of goal, with Kai Havertz the club’s top goalscorer with just eight in the Premier League.

Sagna believes Cunha would ‘suit the way Arsenal play’ but has questioned if his former club ‘really need’ the Wolves star and says it is not the ‘right moment’ for him to join the Gunners.

Cunha has been one of Wolves’ stand-out players since his move from Atletico Madrid in 2023 and has scored ten league goals this season for a team sitting in the relegation zone.

Chelsea have also expressed interest in signing Cunha before the transfer deadline, while Nottingham Forest recently submitted a huge offer for the Brazil international.

‘Matheus Cunha is one of the most efficient one-on-one players,’ Sagna told Paddy Power. ‘He's fast, clever and has the quality to play for Arsenal.

‘However, you don't want to overload the team, so do Arsenal really need him?

‘He's a top player but I believe the way the team is currently; they are strong enough to win the title.

‘They managed to win against Wolves, and it wasn't an easy game, but they found the resources to do it.

‘You always want players who can score goals for fun like Mo Salah or Erling Haaland but there's a budget at Arsenal.

‘It’s also unlikely for clubs to be willing to let their best players leave midway through the season, especially those fighting relegation.

‘Cunha is a very good player, and he would suit Arsenal and the way they play. But it's not about the player, it's about keeping the balance of the team.

‘He has the quality to play for Arsenal, but I don't think it's the right moment for him to join the club.’

Discussing the speculation surrounding Cunha earlier in the transfer window, Wolves boss Vitor Pereira said: ‘He’s my player and he’s not for sale. He’s committed to us.

‘He’s never asked to leave the club, he wants to help the team, he wants to be with us.’

Despite being impressed by Cunha’s performances for the Midlands club, Jamie Carragher also believes Arsenal should resist the temptation to sign him this month.

Asked if he would sign Cunha if he was in charge at the Emirates Stadium, Carragher told Sky Sports: ‘He's a good player but I wouldn't be paying £65m for him. I'm not sure where he would play for Arsenal.’

Arsenal are looking for transfer opportunities as they attempt to reel in Premier League leaders Liverpool and win their first title since 2004.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.