'Find a place for him': Darren Bent tells Arsenal to sign £44m star even though he wouldn't start under Arteta

01/04/2025 01:45 AM

Arsenal are on the market for a new attacker in the winter window.

The Gunners are short of options in the top end of the pitch. Bukayo Saka is out for a significant period, while Raheem Sterling has also been sidelined because of an injury.

Mikel Arteta’s side could do with a versatile attacker – someone who won’t just provide cover for their wide players but is also able to play through the middle if required.

Arsenal have been linked with one such player, and Darren Bent has had his say on him.

Darren Bent says Matheus Cunha will not be a starter at Arsenal

Matheus Cunha has been one of the most impressive players in the Premier League this season.

The £44 million (Guardian) Wolves star has directly contributed to 14 goals so far, averaging a goal or an assist every 111 minutes. That is a phenomenal record when you consider that he has been playing for a team that’s currently battling relegation.

The Brazilian’s performances have not gone unnoticed – a number of clubs in the Premier League are interested in signing him.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with Cunha, and Bent has urged the Gunners to sign him. But, the pundit feels the Wolves star would not be a starter under Arteta.

He said on talkSPORT: “He’s certainly a good player. He has been brilliant for Wolves. In a season that has been really disappointing for them, he’s been the one who has not let the standards slip.

“10 goals and four assists this season in 19 games for a team down there, that’s phenomenal. He’s their best player. If Arsenal can get him, I’d be all for Arsenal getting him.

“Where does he fit in? You’ve got to find a place for him. He doesn’t start!

“Maybe with Saka being out, maybe he can come off the left, but just to have that level player to have in the squad who you can call upon would be superb.”

Cunha could play in a surprise position if he joins Arsenal

Cunha is one of the most versatile players in the Premier League.

The Brazilian can play anywhere across the front three, as a false nine and also as an attacking midfielder. He is effective in all of those roles.

At Arsenal, it’s difficult to see him starting regularly in attack when everyone is fit and firing, but the Gunners do have a problem position that he could solve.

We think Arsenal can deploy Cunha as a left-sided number eight if he joins them. The Gunners lack a ball carrier who can not only drive into the final third but also have an impact there.

Cunha, in our opinion, would be perfect, and we think Arsenal should do everything they can to get him before this window shuts.