Arsenal hold secret weapon in striker transfer talks, it’s good news for signing hopes

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Arsenal may have a new reason to be optimistic about landing one of their primary targets this January.

Mikel Arteta is looking at adding a forward to his squad, to ease the burden on his existing group.

The Gunners have struggled to score enough goals without talisman Bukayo Saka, with the likes of Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard all enduring difficult seasons.

Aston Villa held Arsenal to a draw at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon, in a performance that encapsulated Arteta’s side’s offensive problems.

Inevitably, this poor goal-scoring form has prompted links to numerous players, with one particular rumour gathering pace.

Matheus Cunha and Gabriel share the same agent

Throughout Arteta’s reign, the Spaniard has favoured signing attacking players from within the Premier League, with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Havertz, Trossard and Raheem Sterling all arriving in N5 from other English clubs.

It looks as though the tactician is intent on following this path again, with Wolves forward Matheus Cunha said to be a target.

Arsenal are understood to be keen on Cunha, and Fabrizio Romano has issued a positive update on the possibility of the transfer happening.

The transfer journalist claimed that the deal was ‘one to watch’, with reports emerging suggesting that the Brazilian is stalling on signing a new contract at Molineux adding fuel to the fire.

One Arsenal fan on X also unearthed that Cunha shares the same agent as Gabriel Magalhaes – Giuliano Bertolucci.

The Brazilian super-agent also manages the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Marquinhos, Vanderson and Danilo.

Having negotiated with Bertolucci previously, when dealing with Gabriel, Arsenal may have an advantage in their pursuit of Cunha.

The Gunners will be aware of how he operates, and they could hold a positive pre-existing relationship with the agent.

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How would Cunha fit in at Arsenal?

Kai Havertz has been lamented by Arsenal fans for his inability to convert good chances into goals, and thus there have been calls to add a clinical finisher to Arteta’s ranks.

Cunha could certainly fit the bill, having scored 14 goals in all competitions for Wolves last season.

The former Atletico Madrid man is capable of finishing from range, possessing an extremely effective ball-striking technique.

While his greatest asset is driving with the ball in between the lines, Arteta could convert him into more of an out and out predatory striker.

He’d likely displace Havertz down the middle for the Gunners, although he could also be used in wide areas instead of the likes of Martinelli or Trossard.