Wolves have just nine games left to turn their season around before focus shifts to the summer transfer window.
After being the second-highest spenders in January, the club appears set for another eventful transfer period. The Premier League has confirmed changes to the summer window, which will now open on Sunday, June 1, and close on Monday, September 1, with a six-day pause in between. For Wolves, this could mean an early approach for Matheus Cunha.
Matheus Cunha Unlikely to Join Nottingham Forest
Cunha is Vitor Pereira’s most prized asset, both in terms of quality and contractual value. His latest contract extension includes a widely reported £62.5 million release clause, making him a key target for multiple clubs.
Nottingham Forest are among those keen to secure his signature. However, club expert Nathan Judah believes the Brazilian is unlikely to trade Molineux for the City Ground, even if Nuno Espirito Santo guides Forest to Champions League qualification.
Speaking on the latest E&S Wolves podcast, Judah predicted:
> “I’m calling this now—on the day the transfer window opens, Nottingham Forest will submit a bid for Matheus Cunha. Whether they truly intend to sign him or can meet that price remains to be seen. But triggering that clause will likely prompt other clubs, both in England and abroad, to react swiftly.
> “I don’t think he’ll end up at Nottingham Forest, even if they make the Champions League. I’d be absolutely shocked. But I can definitely see them making the bid as a statement of ambition.”
If Cunha doesn’t move to Nottingham Forest, the question remains—where will he go?
A Move to Arsenal on the Cards?
Cunha remains highly sought-after by Europe’s elite clubs. While his £62.5 million release clause would set a club record for Wolves, many top teams see that fee as a reasonable investment.
Arsenal, for instance, are monitoring the situation despite Mikel Arteta’s reported concerns over Cunha’s temperament. The Gunners are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements, with Gabriel Jesus sidelined and Kai Havertz ruled out for the remainder of the campaign. Adding Cunha to their ranks would bolster their attacking options significantly.
Given his ambition to play in the Champions League, Cunha’s decision will likely depend on the final Premier League standings. With Arsenal currently in second place and all but assured of a Champions League spot, a move to the Emirates next season wouldn’t be surprising.
This saga is set to be one of the summer’s biggest transfer stories, with plenty of twists still to come.
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